31-Year-Old Sakiyna Thompson Flew From New York to Kill Her 23-Year-Old Romantic Rival Kayla Hodgson in Tamarac, Florida, Receives Life Without Parole

A Florida woman has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2022 murder of her romantic rival, 23-year-old Kayla Hodgson, in Tamarac.

31-year-old Sakiyna Thompson received the sentence Monday after being convicted of first-degree murder in October. The jury deliberated for just one hour before finding Thompson guilty of killing Hodgson.

The crime occurred in July 2022, when prosecutors say Thompson flew from New York to South Florida with the intent to confront Hodgson over dating the same man. According to the state, Thompson arrived at Hodgson’s Tamarac apartment around 5 a.m., disguised with a hat and COVID-19 mask, and confronted her before stabbing her to death. Authorities also reported that Thompson used a fake Uber account to travel to and from the apartment.

During the trial, the defense argued that Thompson acted in self-defense, claiming Hodgson struck her and cut her stomach during an altercation. Thompson also asserted that she blacked out and could not remember the killing. Prosecutors, however, said she planned the attack in advance, traveling specifically to South Florida with intent to kill.

On Monday, ten of Hodgson’s family members and friends spoke during sentencing.

“What she did was wicked and evil, and a person like her, it’s important they never see the light of day again,” said Hodgson’s cousin, Melanie John.

“I feel like I can finally start some type of healing,” said another cousin, Alisha Mitchell. “It will never be the same; we will forever miss her. The way she died will never really sit right with us. At least the person responsible is being held accountable.”

The case drew attention for its violent love triangle motive, Thompson’s premeditated travel from out of state, and the dramatic courtroom proceedings. The sentence ensures that Thompson will spend the rest of her life behind bars, with no chance of parole.

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