Dateline: The Life She Wanted — 5 harrowing details about Sherri Dally's murder, explored

Dateline: The Life She Wanted tells the chilling tale of Ventura County wife and mother Sherri Dally, who was brutally abducted and murdered in May 1996. The NBC show's episode further reveals that the culprit was a woman named Diana Haun, who happened to be the mistress of Sherri's husband, Mike Dally. The disturbing case had several twists and turns, before the guilty were finally brought to justice.

Here we take a look at the five most harrowing details from the case of Sherri Dally's murder, as illustrated in the NBC show's episode.

Dateline: Sherri Dally's abduction and murder details revealed

Keep reading to learn more about the five harrowing details concerning the abduction and murder of Sherri Dally.

1) Sherri Dally was spotted by the security cameras at Target

On the morning of her abduction and subsequent death, Sherri Dally was going through her usual Monday schedule of dropping her children off at school. She then visited the local Target store to run a few errands. Security cameras at the store spotted her in the premises and checking out at the counter, before she was abducted from the store's parking lot by a blond woman wielding a badge.

2) Sherri's husband Mike Dally was abusive

The investigation carried out by the Ventura County detectives unearthed that, despite appearances, Mike and Sherri were stuck in an abusive marriage, with Sherri being more of a servant than a wife to Mike. It was also reported that Mike would taunt and abuse Sherri with the details of his infidelity with Diana, and would have their children spend time with his mistress during Christmas.

3) Sherri was abducted by someone impersonating law enforcement

Diana abducted Sherri from the Target parking lot disguised as a law enforcement officer. She donned a blonde wig to hide her dark hair and rode a rented teal-colored Nissan Altima, in which she drove away with Sherri after handcuffing the latter. Sherri tried to defend herself in the car, and Diana sustained incriminating scratches on her forehead. Diana then murdered Sherri before disposing off her body. Investigators pinned the crime on Diana after tying her to the rented car and discovering Sherri's blood.

4) Diana Haun was into black magic

The episode delves into details about Mike's girlfriend, Diana. According to her co-workers, Diana often practised black magic and was heard remarking that she was on her way to make a human sacrificeof her friend's birthday. The friend in question has been believed to be Mike, as it was his birthday in about two weeks.

5) Mike Dally's disturbing life

The investigation made the shocking discovery that Mike was leading a secret life outside his apparently happy marriage. After Diana's arrest, a few other women came forward to tell the police that he had had affairs with them. One such woman claimed Mike had asked her to kill his wife during the time that they were having an affair.