Misty Dawn Herndon, a 38-year-old woman from Dayton, Texas, tragically passed away on August 17, 2020. She was born on November 30, 1981, in Liberty, Texas, and had lived in Dayton for most of her life. Misty was a mother and recent grandmother, leaving behind a family that included her children, Austin Martin, Tyler Martin, Taylor Herndon, and Alyssa Brodd, as well as her grandchildren and siblings.
On the day of her death, Misty Dawn Herndon was one of three victims in a shooting spree carried out by Michael Wettstein, a 60-year-old man from the same neighborhood. Wettstein had a history of complaints about dogs roaming freely in the area, and he had previously called deputies about this issue. On August 17, 2020, Wettstein went on a shooting spree, killing Misty Dawn Herndon, Richard Eugene Lamm, and Bruce Avery Mercer. He also shot Marvin Rumley and Amanda Rumley, who survived and were airlifted to a Houston hospital for treatment.
Wettstein was arrested shortly after the shootings, and he had a swastika drawn on his forehead at the time of his arrest. He was charged with one count of capital murder and several other felony charges. In June 2021, Wettstein pled guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for 30 years.
The motive for the shootings was never fully established, but witness statements revealed that Wettstein had been ranting about dogs in the neighborhood prior to the incident. The community and law enforcement worked together to bring Wettstein to justice, and the case highlighted the importance of addressing neighborhood disputes and ensuring community safety.
Misty Dawn Herndon's death was a tragic event that deeply affected her family and the community. Her loved ones continue to remember her and honor her memory.
