Love Marry Kill

Wendi Davidson and Mike Severance - Part 1

Love Marry Kill

Show Notes

Michael Severance was a decorated Air Force staff sergeant from Lee, Maine — a young man known for his integrity, his loyalty, and his love of dancing the Texas two-step. In January 2005, just months into a troubled marriage to a West Texas veterinarian named Wendi Davidson, Mike vanished without a trace. His truck, his wallet, and his cell phone were all left behind. For weeks, investigators chased dead ends while Mike's family in Maine waited desperately for answers.

What they eventually found would shock everyone who had known him. What followed was a complex investigation, a bitter custody battle over Mike's infant son, and a legal case full of twists that left his family feeling that true justice was never fully served.

Mike survived five combat deployments to some of the most dangerous places on earth. Evil found him in his own home.

Today's snack: Queso dip from The Big Texas Cookbook (thanks Carla!)

Listen to part 2 today: https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill

Sources:Fanning, Diane. A Poisoned Passion: A Young Mother, Her War Hero Husband, and the Marriage that Ended in Murder. St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2009 Snapped, S27 E9, “What Happened to Michael Severance?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qny3AAilUI8 ABC 20/20, S44 E19, “Dead Man Talking” McCullagh, Declan. "Police Blotter: Murderer nabbed via tracking, Web search." CNET, 18 Mar. 2008, "SSGT MICHAEL SEVERANCE." Bangor Daily News, 25 Sept. 2008 "Veterinarian sentenced to 25 years for husband's murder." American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 Nov. 2006 "Inmate Information Details: DAVIDSON, WENDI MAE." Texas Department of Criminal Justice "Parole Review Information: DAVIDSON, WENDI MAE." Texas Department of Criminal Justice Wendi Mae Davidson v. Judy Kay Davidson and Robert Lloyd Davidson. No. 03-13-00522-CV. Texas Court of Appeals, Third District, at Austin, 20 May 2014. Justia Law, justia.com "Wendi Mae Davidson's first network prison interview: 20/20 ‘Dead Man Talking’ Preview." YouTube, uploaded by ABC News

More from Love Marry Kill

Oct 21, 2026

In January 1897, a young bride, Zona Shue, was found dead on the floor of her home in the mountains of West Virginia. The doctor called it an everlasting faint — an old fashioned term for a sudden, unexplained death from natural causes. Days later, Zona’s mother woke in the cold, dark night to find an apparition standing at the foot of the bed. It was Zona, back to tell the story of how she really died. But would a jury buy it?

Oct 19, 2026

On paper, they looked like the perfect couple — a Harvard-educated law professor and a passionate immigration attorney, both brilliant, driven, and devoted to their two little boys. But behind closed doors, their differences were driving them apart. Throw in a mother-in-law who needed to control everything, and a protective older brother with a tough-guy image, and it was a recipe for things to get very ugly. Eventually, it would end with murder. But would there ever be justice?

Oct 12, 2026

On paper, they looked like the perfect couple — a Harvard-educated law professor and a passionate immigration attorney, both brilliant, driven, and devoted to their two little boys. But behind closed doors, their differences were driving them apart. Throw in a mother-in-law who needed to control everything, and a protective older brother with a tough-guy image, and it was a recipe for things to get very ugly. Eventually, it would end with murder. But would there ever be justice?

Oct 5, 2026

In August 1995, Mark Winger called 911 from his Springfield, Illinois home. His wife, Donnah, had been brutally attacked by an intruder brandishing a hammer. Mark intervened, shooting the man dead. Police ruled the shooting a justifiable homicide. The case was closed, and Mark was labeled a hero. There was little reason to question what had happened inside that house. But years later, the thoroughness and credibility of that investigation would be called into question.

Sep 28, 2026

In August 1995, Mark Winger called 911 from his Springfield, Illinois home. His wife, Donnah, had been brutally attacked by an intruder brandishing a hammer. Mark intervened, shooting the man dead. Police ruled the shooting a justifiable homicide. The case was closed, and Mark was labeled a hero. There was little reason to question what had happened inside that house. But years later, the thoroughness and credibility of that investigation would be called into question.

See all episodes →