Woman Accused of Plotting Husband's Murder in 'Dateline' Exclusive

Allison Salinas, convicted of attempting to solicit her husband's murder, asserts her innocence in a "Dateline NBC" interview, alleging manipulation by a former boyfriend. Salinas claims she contacted him during marital difficulties, but by her July 2025 arrest, they had reconciled. She states her ex-boyfriend, James Turrentine, preyed on her emotions. Turrentine denies this, accusing Salinas of 'love-bombing' him.

The "Dateline" segment explored Salinas' past, including a connection to a 2003 Texas house fire for which Delbert Mills was convicted of murder. Salinas, who later moved to Pekin and ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, faced accusations of numerous scams.

Recordings made by Turrentine reveal Salinas detailing a murder plot, including luring her husband to a secluded area for a silenced hitman. She expressed a desire for her husband's demise to become a "grieving widow." Turrentine eventually posted these recordings online, prompting a police investigation.

Salinas, interviewed from Logan Correctional Facility, reiterated her claims of manipulation and mental distress. She also questioned Turrentine's credibility due to his past sex offender registration in Texas. Her husband, Patrick Salinas, remains supportive, believing her accusations are unfounded, despite her August 2025 guilty plea and 30-year sentence.

Salinas has filed motions for post-conviction relief, citing ineffective counsel and seeking an appeal without fees due to her incarceration. She maintains her innocence regarding the murder plot and past allegations, including connections to the 2003 Texas fire, which she called a "horrible situation."