If you’ve spent any time reading about West Texas crime or followed the tragic 2005 disappearance of Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Severance, you’ve likely seen the name Wendi Mae Davidson. She was the local veterinarian who seemed to have it all—a thriving practice, a military husband, and a young family. Then, everything shattered. Now, decades later, the big question on everyone's mind is simple: was Wendi Mae Davidson released?
People search for this constantly. It's one of those cases that sticks in your craw because of the clinical, almost cold-blooded nature of the crime. Honestly, the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no" if you're looking at the timeline of her 25-year sentence.
The Current Status: Is Wendi Mae Davidson Out?
Let’s get the facts straight right away. As of early 2026, Wendi Mae Davidson has not been released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system.
I know, there’s been a lot of chatter online about her potential freedom. That’s mostly because she has hit several parole eligibility milestones recently. In fact, her most recent parole review happened just a few months ago. On May 30, 2024, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles officially denied her request for an early release.
The board didn't mince words. They cited the "nature of the offense" as the primary reason. In their view, the crime involved elements of brutality and a "conscious disregard for life." Basically, they aren't ready to let her walk. Her next date for a parole review is set for May 2027. Until then, she remains at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, serving out her 25-year term.
Why the Case Still Haunts West Texas
To understand why her release is such a lightning rod for controversy, you have to look at what happened in San Angelo back in 2005. It wasn't just a murder; it was a calculated disposal of a human being by someone trained to heal.
🔗 Read more: January 6th Explained: Why This Date Still Defines American Politics
Wendi reported her husband, Michael Severance, missing in January 2005. For weeks, she played the part of the worried wife. But the cracks formed fast. Michael was a decorated sergeant who had survived deployments to the Middle East. He wasn't the type to just "walk away" from his life.
The investigation took a dark turn when authorities found Michael’s body at the bottom of a stock tank on a ranch owned by a family friend. He hadn't just been killed. He had been poisoned with animal tranquilizers—specifically phenobarbital and pentobarbital—drugs Wendi had easy access to as a vet.
But the detail that really gets people? The 41 stab wounds.
The medical examiner determined those weren't what killed him. They were inflicted after he was dead. Why? To ensure the body stayed submerged. Wendi had weighted him down with over 140 pounds of car parts, a boat anchor, and cinder blocks. It was a level of clinical detachment that still sends chills down the spines of the local community.
The Legal Maneuvers and the "No Contest" Plea
You’d think a case like this would go to a massive trial, but it didn't. In 2006, Wendi took a plea deal. She pleaded "no contest" to murder and two counts of tampering with evidence.
💡 You might also like: Is there a bank holiday today? Why your local branch might be closed on January 12
Her lawyers tried everything to get the evidence thrown out. They argued that the Air Force's use of a GPS tracker on her car was illegal. But the courts didn't buy it. When the judge refused to suppress the evidence, she took the 25-year deal.
There was a moment in the courtroom that people still talk about. Right as she was about to sign the papers, Wendi actually collapsed. She spent minutes sobbing on the floor. Some saw it as genuine remorse; others saw it as a final act of performance.
A Quick Look at the Sentencing Timeline
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Severance Murder | January 2005 | San Angelo, TX |
| Sentencing | October 2006 | 25 Years Total |
| First Parole Eligibility | April 2019 | Denied |
| Second Parole Eligibility | May 2024 | Denied |
| Next Parole Review | May 2027 | Pending |
The Battle Over the Kids
While Wendi sits in a cell, a different kind of war has been fought in the civil courts. Michael and Wendi had a son, Shane. After the conviction, a bitter custody battle broke out between the Severance family in Maine and Wendi’s parents, Judy and Lloyd Davidson.
It’s been a heartbreaking situation. For years, the Davidsons maintained primary custody in Texas, while Michael’s family struggled for visitation. True-crime writers like Diane Fanning, who wrote A Poisoned Passion about the case, have often pointed out how the "collateral damage" of this crime has lasted decades. Even from prison, Wendi has filed multiple motions to try and increase her contact with her children, most of which have been shot down by the courts.
What Happens Next?
So, if you're waiting to hear that Wendi Mae Davidson was released, you’ll have to wait at least until 2027 for the next update. Even then, parole is never a guarantee in Texas, especially for high-profile murder cases.
📖 Related: Is Pope Leo Homophobic? What Most People Get Wrong
The Texas parole board uses a "2D" denial code quite often in these cases. That basically means the "length of sentence" and "nature of the crime" are the sticking points. They look at whether the inmate has been rehabilitated, sure, but they also look at the impact on the victims. The Severance family has been incredibly vocal at every hearing, ensuring the board doesn't forget Michael.
If she is never granted parole, her "max out" date—the day she has to be released by law—isn't until 2031.
Actionable Steps for Following the Case
If you want to keep tabs on this case or similar ones, here is how you can stay informed without falling for internet rumors:
- Check the TDCJ Inmate Portal: This is the only 100% accurate source for her location and parole status. You can search by her name or SID number (07472492).
- Follow the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles: They publish the results of their votes, usually a few weeks after the review date.
- Read "A Poisoned Passion": If you want the deep, nitty-gritty details of the investigation, Diane Fanning’s book is the definitive source on the psychology behind the crime.
- Look for Local News in San Angelo: Sources like San Angelo Live or the Standard-Times often cover the local impact of her parole hearings more closely than national outlets.
The story of Wendi Mae Davidson is a reminder that the legal system moves slowly, and "justice" is often a marathon, not a sprint. We’ll see what 2027 brings, but for now, she remains behind bars.