Where Is Ricky Paniagua Today? The Story of Kendra Hatcher’s Boyfriend After Tragedy
Ricky Paniagua’s life changed forever on September 2, 2015. His girlfriend, Kendra Hatcher, was shot and killed in a shocking murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by his ex-girlfriend, Brenda Delgado.
The tragedy made national headlines, leaving Ricky to cope with grief, public attention, and betrayal. Today, many wonder where Ricky is and how he has rebuilt his life. This article explores his journey from heartbreak to healing, providing an update on his career, personal life, and ongoing efforts to move forward.
Ricky Paniagua’s Early Life and Medical Career
Ricardo “Ricky” Paniagua grew up in rural Northern California. Raised in a single-wide trailer, he worked hard to achieve academic success. Ricky attended Stanford Medical School, where he earned his medical degree.
Afterward, he completed an internship at the University of Massachusetts. In 2011, he moved to Dallas, Texas, for a dermatology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. There, he also served as an assistant clinical professor. His career in dermatology was promising, and his personal life seemed equally hopeful—until tragedy struck.
Meeting Brenda Delgado: A Relationship Turns Dark
In 2012, while still navigating a divorce, Ricky met Brenda Delgado through a dating app. Their first date was a Jennifer Lopez concert, and soon after, they began living together. Ricky gave Brenda a promise ring, and they appeared close.
However, the relationship ended in February 2015 when Ricky realized it was time to move on. Though they remained on friendly terms, Ricky was unaware that Brenda harbored deep jealousy. She secretly monitored his online accounts and used a phone app to track him—a dangerous obsession that would soon shatter lives.
Falling in Love With Kendra Hatcher
In early 2015, Ricky met Kendra Hatcher, a bright and beloved pediatric dentist. Their connection was instant. “We were really in sync right from the get-go,” Ricky later said. The couple quickly grew serious, even starting a wedding fund and planning a future together.
They traveled to San Francisco to visit Ricky’s family and were preparing for a romantic trip to Cancún. Ricky had informed Brenda of his new relationship, unaware of how deeply it would affect her. Unfortunately, Brenda’s jealousy turned deadly.
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The Tragic Murder of Kendra Hatcher
On September 2, 2015, as Ricky waited upstairs in Kendra’s Dallas apartment, Kendra was ambushed in her building’s parking garage. She was shot in the back of the head. Ricky became alarmed when she stopped responding to texts.
He later testified: “I kept asking repeatedly, ‘Is Kendra okay?’ I became even more specific: ‘Is she still alive?’” The devastating news soon followed. Investigators quickly uncovered a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Brenda Delgado, with two accomplices: getaway driver Crystal Cortes and shooter Kristopher Love. Ricky’s life was forever altered.
Testifying Against Brenda Delgado in Court
In June 2019, Ricky took the stand at Brenda Delgado’s trial. He testified about her stalking behavior, recalling frequent “coincidental” encounters on the Katy Trail. “About every 7 to 10 days, I would pass her running on the trail,” he said.
His testimony helped secure Brenda’s conviction: life in prison without parole. Ricky’s bravery in court was crucial in ensuring justice for Kendra. However, the public nature of the trial further compounded his grief. Afterward, Ricky made the difficult decision to step away from the public eye.
On the stand now:
Ricardo Paniagua.
He dated Brenda Delgado on & off 2 yrs until 2015. Later started dating Dr Kendra Hatcher. Delgado allegedly plotted Hatcher’s murder.
Dentist shot/killed in Uptown garage.
https://t.co/Q6vK8J7a2y pic.twitter.com/Rlmj2QAstM— Maria Guerrero (@Maria_NBC5) October 22, 2018
Rebuilding Life After Loss: Moving Back to California
Following the trial, Ricky returned to his native California. He sought the comfort of family and a fresh start. Professionally, he excelled. He worked as an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, before joining Kaiser Permanente’s Roseville Medical Center.
His expertise includes treating complex skin conditions such as morphea and vasculitis. On his professional profile, Ricky writes, “My sincerest goal is to provide empathetic, respectful, and kind care while identifying the optimal management strategy for each patient.” His dedication to healing others reflects a deep resilience.
Ricky Paniagua’s Life Today: A Private Path Forward
Today, Ricky continues his work as a dermatologist at the Roseville Medical Center. He values being close to family in the Sacramento Valley and appreciates working with compassionate colleagues. His personal life remains private—he does not maintain active social media accounts and shies away from public attention.
Those who know him say he still honors Kendra’s memory. Though the past will always be a part of him, Ricky focuses on providing excellent care to his patients and building a peaceful life away from the tragedy that once defined him.
Final Words
Ricky Paniagua’s story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. From his humble beginnings to his achievements in medicine, Ricky built a life of purpose. The murder of Kendra Hatcher devastated that life, forcing him to confront betrayal and grief.
Yet, through courage and quiet strength, Ricky has continued forward. His dedication to helping others and his decision to live privately demonstrate that healing, although slow, is possible. Today, Ricky serves as an example of perseverance—proof that even amid heartbreak, life can go on.
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