On the morning of November 9, 2005, the peaceful town of Robinson, Texas, was rocked by a shocking tragedy that would leave the community reeling.

A panicked phone call to 911 revealed a horrific scene inside the home of Darlene and Keith Gentry, a couple whose marriage had been marked by love, ambition, and ultimately, heartbreak.

This true crime story unfolds as a chilling account of betrayal, financial strain, and a desperate act that changed everything.

 

Darlene Doskasile was born on November 2, 1974, in a devoted family as the middle child of three daughters.

From a young age, she stood out for her radiant personality, charm, and ambition.

Friends and family described her as warm-hearted and disciplined, earning her the affectionate nickname “Texas Beauty Queen” during her school years.

Darlene graduated from Yo High School in Cameron in 1993 and enrolled at Texas State Technical College in Waco, initially pursuing a career as a dental assistant before setting her sights on nursing.

 

It was during her college years that Darlene met Keith Gentry, born on September 2, 1974, in Waco. Keith was known for his easygoing nature and quiet strength.

He grew up in a close-knit family and also attended Texas State Technical College, where he studied drafting and welding.

Their connection was immediate, and it wasn’t long before they fell deeply in love. Both families embraced the relationship, and a wedding seemed inevitable.

 

However, by 1997, as they approached graduation, Darlene longed for a proposal, while Keith felt unprepared for such a commitment.

After several difficult conversations, they made the painful decision to part ways, leaving both heartbroken.

Seeking a fresh start, Darlene moved to Dallas, but the urban lifestyle proved challenging.

After a year, she returned home, where fate intervened, and she and Keith rekindled their romance. In 1999, Keith proposed, and they soon married.

 

The couple settled into a comfortable life in Robinson, Texas, purchasing their first home and welcoming three sons: Chase in 2001, Cody in 2004, and Cade in 2005.

By all appearances, they were the epitome of a happy family. Darlene worked as a registered nurse, while Keith held a stable job as an engineering assistant.

Their lives seemed idyllic, supported by both sets of grandparents who actively participated in their children’s upbringing.

 

However, beneath the surface, tensions were brewing. Keith’s job required frequent travel, placing a heavy burden on Darlene, who managed the household and cared for the children alone.

Despite his efforts to shift to a less demanding position to be more present at home, financial strains began to emerge.

Darlene’s spending habits did not align with their reduced income, leading to frequent arguments about money.

Friends and family noticed a change in the couple’s dynamic; the once joyful relationship now appeared strained.

 

Everything changed on that fateful morning in November 2005. At 6:11 a.m., Darlene called 911, her voice trembling as she reported a horrific scene.

She claimed that the back door of their home was wide open and that her husband, Keith, was lying in bed covered in blood, barely breathing.

Paramedics arrived quickly, but Keith had been shot in the head and was unresponsive.

Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead two days later, marking the beginning of a homicide investigation.

 

Darlene’s account of the events that night became the focus of the investigation. She claimed that after a dinner out with friends, she returned home to find Keith upset about her spending.

Following an argument, she had taken their youngest son into another room to help him sleep. According to Darlene, she did not check on Keith until the morning, discovering him gravely wounded.

 

As detectives delved into the case, inconsistencies in Darlene’s story began to emerge. Forensic evidence suggested that the shooting occurred much earlier than she claimed.

Moreover, while she reported that several guns were missing from their locked cabinet, investigators found some stacked neatly outside the house, indicating a staged scene rather than a burglary.

Darlene’s behavior during the 911 call raised further suspicions; her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the panic one might expect in such a situation.

 

When questioned by police, Darlene initially cooperated but invoked her Fifth Amendment right when the questioning turned more direct, raising further red flags.

Investigators discovered a pair of latex gloves in the kitchen trash, containing a shell casing and traces of gunshot residue linked to both Darlene and Keith.

It became increasingly clear that the evidence was mounting against her.

 

On November 28, 2005, Darlene was arrested and charged with murder.

Despite the serious allegations, Keith’s parents posted a $50,000 bond for her release, standing by her side and maintaining their belief in her innocence.

However, Darlene’s subsequent actions would raise even more suspicion.

Shortly after her release, she contacted a local landowner expressing interest in purchasing a property with a pond, which she later requested to be filled in.

This sudden change of heart alarmed authorities, prompting them to investigate the pond further.

 

When the pond was searched, investigators discovered a . 222 caliber revolver—the murder weapon—hidden at the bottom.

With mounting evidence against her, including surveillance footage of Darlene at the pond trying to retrieve the gun, the prosecution’s case became overwhelming.

 

In February 2007, Darlene Gentry stood trial for first-degree murder. The prosecution presented a compelling case, highlighting the inconsistencies in her story, the evidence found at the scene, and her behavior following the shooting.

The jury deliberated for just a short time before delivering a guilty verdict. Darlene was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Despite her conviction, Darlene has always maintained her innocence. She is currently serving her sentence at the Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas, and will be eligible for parole in February 2037.

The consequences of her actions extend far beyond her prison cell; in 2010, a judge granted permanent custody of her three sons to Keith’s parents, issuing a restraining order that prohibits Darlene from contacting them. She has not spoken to her children since.

 

Keith Gentry is remembered as a devoted father and husband, a man who valued family above all else. His tragic death left behind three young boys and a community grappling with the aftermath of a shocking crime.

While Darlene’s life took a dark turn, Keith’s memory endures in the hearts of those who knew him, a reminder of the love and integrity he embodied.

 

The story of Darlene and Keith Gentry is a haunting reminder of how quickly life can change and how hidden struggles can lead to devastating outcomes.

As the investigation revealed the complexities of their relationship, it also highlighted the tragic consequences of financial strain and emotional turmoil.

In the end, this true crime tale serves as a sobering reflection on love, loss, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.