March 11, 2026
(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Detaron Fenley, 39, of Allen, Texas, was found guilty by a Collin County jury and given the maximum sentences of life in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault and 20 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
The Crime
In the early morning hours of September 24, 2024, Plano Police responded to a violent assault at a local hotel. Officers found extensive signs of a struggle, including significant blood throughout the room and on the walls. The female victim had been taken to the hospital; Plano Police Criminalists Susan Hassan, Ashley Canon, and Bao Nguyen processed the scene and recovered critical evidence.
The Investigation
At the hospital, the victim reported that a man entered her room, pulled a knife on her, and beat her severely as she fought back. She lost consciousness before being sexually assaulted. Hotel surveillance video showed the suspect arriving and leaving in a dark-colored BMW, which traffic cameras and detectives traced to Fenley. A search warrant at his residence recovered bloody clothing worn during the assault. Plano Police Detective Jonathan Hay, the lead investigator on the case, interviewed Fenley and obtained a partial confession.
The Verdict and Sentence
After hearing all the evidence, the jury quickly convicted Fenley on both counts. In the punishment phase, five women testified about years of violence, stalking, assault, and sexual assault by Fenley. The jury imposed the maximum sentences, which by law run concurrently.
Statement from DA Greg Willis
“This was a brutal rape, and the jury heard evidence that he had raped and terrorized other women. After seeing that pattern of violence, they made sure a dangerous sexual predator is now off the streets for good,” said Willis after sentencing.
Prosecution Team
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs. District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman assisted throughout the trial preparation process.
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