Pinole, California — A California man has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison after prosecutors said he broke into his former partner’s apartment and fatally shot her in front of their 4-year-old son, ending a domestic violence case that authorities described as one of the most devastating they had prosecuted.
The sentencing follows a jury’s verdict finding Jeffery Kendall, 39, guilty in the killing of 30-year-old Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis.
Prosecutors Say Victim Tried to Protect Herself and Her Son
According to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the fatal shooting occurred on Feb. 16, 2024, after Kendall allegedly forced his way into Ligdis’ basement apartment in Pinole.
Prosecutors said Ligdis called 911 while hiding inside a laundry room with the couple’s young son. Authorities said the emergency call captured the terrifying final moments before the shooting.
According to prosecutors, Ligdis could be heard pleading with Kendall to let her go, telling him he was frightening their son and repeatedly begging him to stop.
Investigators said the child cried out for his mother after the shooting.
Suspect Arrested Shortly After Fleeing Scene
Following the shooting, authorities said Kendall fled the apartment. The California Highway Patrol later located and arrested him shortly afterward.
Family members previously told that the couple had recently ended their relationship before the fatal incident.
Relatives also said Kendall had struggled with mental illness and had a history of drug use, although those claims were made by family members and were not part of the criminal convictions announced by prosecutors.
Prosecutors Called the Killing an Escalating Domestic Violence Case
During court proceedings, Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells argued that the case reflected the dangers that can arise when domestic violence escalates after a relationship ends.
Prosecutors asked the court to consider multiple aggravating factors when determining Kendall’s sentence, including the presence of the couple’s young child during the killing.
On July 31, jurors found Kendall guilty of murder. He was also convicted of child endangerment for placing his son in danger during the incident.
Weapons Charge Added to Convictions
In addition to the murder conviction, the court also found Kendall guilty of a weapons-related offense involving possession of a 3D-printed semiautomatic pistol, according to prosecutors.
The additional conviction was considered as part of the overall case before sentencing. Officials have not indicated whether further appeals will be filed.
Judge Imposes 50 Years to Life
The judge sentenced Kendall to 50 years to life in state prison, describing the prosecution as “one of the most difficult” cases handled during his time on the bench.
As part of the sentence, the court ordered that Kendall cannot contact his son until the child turns 16 in 2035, except under limited circumstances authorized by the court.
The ruling brings the criminal case to a close, though the lasting impact on the victim’s family remains profound.
Domestic violence advocates have long emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking help when relationships become threatening, noting that the period following a separation can be one of the most dangerous for victims.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe stronger protections are needed for victims attempting to leave abusive relationships? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
