One year after the tragedy of Michelle Dorsey’s murder, her family reflected on her loss and the future in the wake of her death.

The late Michelle Dorsey’s family reflected this week on the events of Dorsey’s murder at the hands of her estranged husband one year ago on April 15, 2021.

On April 15, 2021 at around 5:10 a.m., Dorsey was murdered at the hands of her estranged husband and father of their three boys in her home on the 22800 Block of Fir Court in Saugus.

Two of Dorsey’s three young sons were in the house at the time of the murder but were not injured.

“(Her sons have) each made friends at the school and they have a couple of friends they’ve stayed in contact with from their old school, made friends in the neighborhood,” said Cheryl Smith, Dorsey’s mother.

See Related: Santa Clarita Representatives, Dorsey Family Gather Community To Rally For Recall Of Gascón

Smith discussed the events and reflected on her slain daughter’s sons’ new lives following the tragedy.

“(Michelle’s sons have) been a bit quiet, moodier, a little emotional, and I don’t know whether this has been because I’ve been emotional,” Smith told KHTS. “I’ve told them it’s okay to let it out, it’s better to let it out and not hold it in. For the most part they’re holding up pretty good.”

In July of 2021, James Matthew Dorsey pleaded no contest and was sentenced for the stabbing death of Michelle, being served multiple sentences; 26 years to life for murder, one year and two months for kidnapping, six years and one month for felony burglary, evading law enforcement and eight months for assaulting a peace officer, according to LADA officials.

Under the state’s Elderly Parole Program, the suspect is expected to be eligible for parole once he has served at least 20 years of his sentence, at which time he will be 61 years of age. 

Michelle’s family begged the judge for the maximum possible sentence not only to ensure justice for Michelle but to maintain their own protection.

Michelle Dorsey’s sons currently live with Smith, their grandmother, who is still working to adopt them and gain permanent custody. In addition, the family is still working to sell the home where Michelle was killed, a process that is being contested by Matthew and his mother, who are attempting to receive half of the proceeds from the sale of the home, instead of the full sum being put in a trust for the three children. 

Smith later shifted to a discussion of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and his crime policies. She and the Dorsey family also attended a Santa Clarita rally supporting the recall of Gascón.

“Gascón should be out of office, his policies against criminals are not right, Matt would be doing life in prison if it wasn’t for Gascón, and that ‘s what he should have,” Smith said. “Anybody who hasn’t signed the (recall) petition, they should, because if they ever end up in this position they will wish they had.”

Matthew Dorsey still maintains the possibility of parole, which could put Michelle’s sons in their 30’s and 40’s, possibly with families of their own when it occurs, while Dorsey walks free.

Smith finished the discussion with an expression of appreciation of the Santa Clarita community and those who have taken the time to help or express solidarity.

“Your radio station and the community, it’s been so awesome, people I haven’t even known have reached out to help and I really appreciate everything you (all) have done,” Smith said.

For more information on the Dorsey family and their story, click here.

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