Man sentenced to 50 years for killing ex-partner in front of their toddler
Jeffery Kendall was given a 50-year-to-life term after murdering his former girlfriend, Brittany Ligdis, while their 4-year-old son watched.
In a case described as an “execution-style” murder, Jeffery Kendall shot his ex-girlfriend Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis while she was sheltering with their 4-year-old son. A 911 call captured Ligdis begging Kendall to release her and stop frightening their child before the fatal shot. After the homicide, Kendall fled but was apprehended by the California Highway Patrol.
A Contra Costa County jury found him guilty of murder, child endangerment and possession of a 3D-printed semiautomatic pistol. Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells urged a harsh penalty, citing the brutal nature of the crime. The presiding judge sentenced Kendall to 50 years to life and limited any contact with his son until the boy reaches 16 in 2035.
Why it matters
The case highlights the lethal risk of domestic violence and the legal consequences for perpetrators.
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