Kerry Lyn Dalton was born on January 24, 1960, in Van Nuys, California.

On June 26, 1988, Kerry Lyn Dalton and three other individuals were accused of torturing and murdering Irene Louise May, also known as Melanie. The incident took place at a mobile home park in Live Oak Springs, California. Dalton was arrested years later, on May 14, 1992. The authorities claimed that different types of weapons were used to carry out the alleged murder, including a frying pan, a knife, and a syringe filled with battery acid.

The night of the supposed murder, police were called to the mobile home for a burglary report. However, the sheriff's deputy found no evidence of a burglary or any wrongdoing other than one resident being impaired by drugs. A search of the property revealed no weapons or signs of blood. There was no physical evidence for the jury to consider during the trial.

Dalton’s trial began in February 1995. On February 14, the judge noted that no body had ever been found, and there was only circumstantial evidence suggesting a homicide. The judge stated that it was uncertain whether a murder had even occurred, and he pointed out that it was up to the jury to decide if May was deceased or still alive.

The claims against Dalton relied on alleged confessions that were based on hearsay rather than direct statements from her. During the trial, Dalton accused the prosecutor of being dishonest. The jury eventually convicted her, but it was made clear that their decision was heavily based on the nature of the alleged crime rather than concrete evidence. Dalton was ultimately sentenced to death.

As of now, she remains in prison, awaiting the outcome of her legal appeals regarding her sentence.