A California man was sentenced Monday to 50 years to life in prison for the 2024 murder of his former partner in front of their 4-year-old son, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
Jeffery Kendall, 39, was convicted in May of first-degree murder and child endangerment after a jury found him responsible for the February 16, 2024 shooting death of Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis, 30. Prosecutors stated the killing occurred just 10 days after Ligdis ended their relationship.
During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells described the killing as "an execution in front of a 4-year-old child", emphasizing that the murder was not the result of a mental health crisis but rather followed a pattern of escalating violence commonly seen in domestic abuse cases where victims attempt to leave.
Key details of the incident
On the morning of February 16, 2024, Ligdis called 911 after Kendall forcibly entered her Pinole home. She had taken refuge in a laundry room with her son when Kendall entered the room approximately 90 seconds into the call. According to prosecutors, Ligdis pleaded with Kendall, stating, "Let go of me. You're scaring him." Moments later, she screamed, "Stop it," before Kendall shot her in the head. The child, who witnessed the shooting, cried out, "Momma," before fleeing the room. Responding officers found Ligdis dead from a gunshot wound to the head.
Kendall was arrested in Santa Cruz, California, shortly after the incident. The case was prosecuted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which secured a guilty verdict in May 2025 following a jury trial.
Legal and procedural context
The conviction included a sentencing enhancement for child endangerment, reflecting the court’s determination that Kendall’s actions placed their young son in immediate danger. The 50 years to life sentence ensures Kendall will remain incarcerated for a minimum of five decades before becoming eligible for parole.
Prosecutors argued that the killing was premeditated, citing the timing of the murder shortly after the relationship ended. The defense did not publicly comment on the sentencing, and no additional details regarding their arguments were provided in court filings.
Broader implications of domestic violence cases
The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by individuals attempting to leave abusive relationships. Prosecutors highlighted that violence often intensifies when a victim seeks separation, a phenomenon documented in domestic violence research. The sentencing reflects a legal response aimed at addressing both the homicide and the psychological harm inflicted on the child witness.
The Ligdis case remains one of several high-profile domestic violence incidents in California in recent years, prompting discussions among advocacy groups about enhanced protections for victims and improved enforcement of restraining orders.
Timeline of key events
- February 6, 2024: Brittany Ligdis ends her relationship with Jeffery Kendall.
- February 16, 2024: Kendall breaks into Ligdis’s home; she calls 911. Kendall shoots Ligdis in the head in front of their son.
- February 16, 2024: Kendall is arrested in Santa Cruz.
- May 2025: Jury finds Kendall guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment.
- June 2025: Kendall sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.