“The Killer Among Them”: Dateline Reports on Lance Herndon Homicide November 22 2024
On Friday, November 22, 2024, Dateline NBC airs an engrossing new episode titled “The Killer Among Them,” diving into the chilling murder of Lance Herndon. A self-made millionaire and a beloved figure in Atlanta during the 1990s, Herndon’s death shocked the city and revealed a web of betrayal, obsession, and tragedy. Correspondent Andrea Canning unravels the case’s intricate details, offering viewers an in-depth look at the events leading to the crime, its aftermath, and the justice that followed.
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Lance Herndon: The Visionary and His Legacy
Lance Herndon epitomized success and ambition in 1990s Atlanta. Born in New York City in 1955, Herndon overcame humble beginnings, growing up on a Virginia farm before returning to New York to pursue his passion for math and science. After earning a degree in Computer Science from the City University of New York, Herndon moved to Atlanta, a burgeoning hub for Black professionals, and founded Access, Inc., a computer consulting firm.
Herndon revolutionized Atlanta’s 911 system and built a multimillion-dollar company, earning accolades from influential figures, including President Bill Clinton. Known as the “Black Jay Gatsby,” Herndon was a philanthropist who generously gave back to his community. But behind the polished veneer of his professional life lay a more complex personal life, marked by turbulent relationships that would lead to his untimely demise.
The Crime: A Violent End to a Promising Life
On the morning of August 8, 1996, Lance Herndon’s employees grew concerned when he failed to show up for work. His mother, Jackie Herndon, visited his Roswell, Georgia home, discovering his lifeless body in the master bedroom. Herndon had been brutally bludgeoned to death, his head struck repeatedly with a blunt object, likely a crescent wrench.
The crime scene revealed no signs of forced entry or theft, aside from a missing laptop. Herndon’s position on the bed and the unplugged alarm clocks suggested familiarity with the victim’s habits. The brutality of the attack and the calculated nature of the scene pointed investigators toward someone close to him.
Dionne Baugh: The Prime Suspect
Attention soon turned to Dionne Baugh, a Jamaican immigrant and executive assistant at MARTA. Married to an airline pilot, Baugh had become romantically involved with Herndon. Their relationship, however, was tumultuous. Described as a woman who craved luxury, Baugh enjoyed gifts from Herndon, including a Mercedes and access to his credit cards.
In July 1996, Baugh’s jealousy erupted when she saw Herndon with another woman. Her outburst resulted in her arrest for criminal trespassing. Despite Herndon’s efforts to reconcile by asking authorities to drop the charges, his relationship with Baugh had soured. On the day of Herndon’s murder, Baugh was scheduled to appear in court for the trespassing charge.
Investigators noted discrepancies in Baugh’s account of her whereabouts on the night of the murder. Evidence, including DNA found under Herndon’s fingernails, gum wrappers at the crime scene matching those in her purse, and a credit card purchase made hours after the murder, tied her to the crime.
Trials and Tribulations: Seeking Justice
In 1998, Baugh was arrested and charged with Herndon’s murder. The prosecution argued that she had killed him out of rage and desperation after he attempted to end their relationship. Despite a strong circumstantial case, the defense highlighted the lack of direct evidence and pointed to other potential suspects, including Herndon’s ex-wife and business associates.
Baugh’s first trial in 2001 ended with a conviction and a life sentence. However, the Georgia Supreme Court overturned the verdict in 2003, citing improper hearsay testimony. A second trial in 2003 resulted in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. Facing a third trial, Baugh pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2004, receiving a 10-year prison sentence.
Aftermath and Legacy
Baugh served her sentence and was released in 2011, followed by 10 years of probation. Her case, marked by sensational media coverage, inspired true crime shows and books, keeping Herndon’s tragic story in the public eye. Despite the resolution, the case left lasting scars on the families and communities involved.
Lance Herndon’s legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist endures, overshadowed but not erased by the tragedy of his death. “The Killer Among Them” invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of justice, human relationships, and the fragility of life.
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