Talking Dateline: Secrets in the Ashes
- Jan 28, 2026
- 24:51
- Full Episode
<p>Lester Holt talks with Andrea Canning about her episode, “Secrets in the Ashes.” When 31-year-old Texas mother Patricia Leigh Mills is found dead in a house fire, her family suspects her husband, Delbert, of setting the blaze that killed her, suspicions that only grow when he remarries less than two months after the death of his wife. Years later, after Delbert is convicted of Patricia Leigh’s murder, attention turns to his now ex-wife, Allison Salinas, who had moved to a new state, gotten remarried, and then tried to enlist her high school boyfriend to kill her husband. Andrea tells Lester about her prison interviews with Allison and Delbert, and they play a podcast-exclusive clip of Delbert describing his biggest regret. Plus, they answer your questions from social media. </p><p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us a video to @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252. Your question may be featured in an upcoming episode.</p><p>Listen to the full episode “Secrets in the Ashes” on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/4k1nVwN">https://apple.co/4k1nVwN</a><br />Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RhpCOtSZeY5jS2EPUHxkb?si=8de6f7cea7b64e06">https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RhpCOtSZeY5jS2EPUHxkb?si=8de6f7cea7b64e06</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
A mother dies in a suspicious fire, leading to her husband's conviction and his wife's later murder-for-hire scheme.
Key points
- Secrets in the Ashes. A mother dies in a suspicious fire, leading to a husband's conviction and a wife's dark past.
- The Child's Trauma. A six-year-old boy witnesses a horrific fire that claims his mother's life.
- The Sister's Determination. Sharon, the victim's sister, relentlessly pursues justice for her sister.
- Allison's Murder-for-Hire Scheme. Allison Salinas attempts to hire a hitman, leading to her arrest and complex investigations.
- Delbert's Regret. Delbert Mills expresses regret over not being there for his son after his wife's murder.
- A Mother's Pride. Patricia would be proud of how her son was represented.
Episode highlights
- Secrets in the AshesA mother dies in a suspicious fire, leading to a husband's conviction and a wife's dark past.“This story really starts at the crime scene.”2:07Jan 28, 2026
- The Child's TraumaA six-year-old boy witnesses a horrific fire that claims his mother's life.“I can't even imagine you in that situation.”3:22Jan 28, 2026
- The Sister's DeterminationSharon, the victim's sister, relentlessly pursues justice for her sister.“I mean, you know, Sharon's the sister we all want.”5:34Jan 28, 2026
- Allison's Murder-for-Hire SchemeAllison Salinas attempts to hire a hitman, leading to her arrest and complex investigations.“This one was the weirdest one yet.”12:10Jan 28, 2026
- Delbert's RegretDelbert Mills expresses regret over not being there for his son after his wife's murder.“My biggest regret is not being there for my son like I should have been.”17:41Jan 28, 2026
- A Mother's PridePatricia would be proud of how her son was represented.“Pretty sure John's mom, Patricia, would be proud.”23:38Jan 28, 2026
- Heartfelt ConnectionJohn Michael expresses his love, deepening the emotional connection.“And John Michael looked at the video and he said, I love her.”23:54Jan 28, 2026
- Engagement InvitationListeners are encouraged to engage with the show.“If you have any questions for us about stories or about Dateline, you can reach out to us 24-7.”24:22Jan 28, 2026
