Daphne Wright
Summary
Name:
Daphne WrightYears Active:
2006Status:
ImprisonedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
Suffocation / DismembermentNationality:
USADaphne Wright
Summary: Murderer
Name:
Daphne WrightStatus:
ImprisonedVictims:
1Method:
Suffocation / DismembermentNationality:
USAYears Active:
2006Date Convicted:
April 11, 2007bio
Daphne Wright, born in 1964, is a deaf African American woman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Details about her early life remain limited in public records. She was known within the local deaf community and was in a romantic relationship with Sallie Collins, another deaf woman.
murder story
On February 1, 2006, Daphne Wright lured 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen, a fellow deaf woman, under the pretense of planning a Valentine's Day surprise for their mutual friend, Sallie Collins. Wright drove VanderGiesen to her home, where she murdered her, either by blunt force trauma to the head or suffocation. She then dismembered the body using an electric chainsaw and attempted to dispose of the remains by burning and scattering them in various locations.
VanderGiesen was reported missing on February 3, 2006, after failing to appear at work. Her car was found abandoned, and subsequent investigations led authorities to Wright. Evidence collected included bone and tissue fragments in Wright's basement, receipts for a chainsaw purchase, and VanderGiesen's blood on Wright's car bumper. Additional remains were discovered in a Sioux Falls landfill and a rural area in Minnesota.
Wright was arrested on February 10, 2006, and charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated kidnapping. During her trial, the prosecution argued that the murder was driven by jealousy over VanderGiesen's friendship with Collins. Despite the prosecution seeking the death penalty, the jury sentenced Wright to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on April 18, 2007. She is currently incarcerated at the South Dakota Women's Prison.