MARTINEZ, Calif. — A man was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of his former partner, which occurred in the presence of their young child. Jeffery Kendall, 39, received his sentence on July 31, 2026, after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment in the killing of 30-year-old Brittany Ligdis on February 16, 2024.
During the trial, prosecutors described the harrowing details of the case, including the chilling moment captured on a 911 call when Ligdis sought help from law enforcement while hiding with their 4-year-old son. The call revealed Kendall breaking into her home and confronting Ligdis, who pleaded with him to stop before he fatally shot her. The child’s terrified cries were heard in the background, leaving a lasting emotional impact on him after the incident.
The judge delivered the sentence following the jury’s verdict earlier that May. Assistant District Attorney Tylyn Wells emphasized the particularly disturbing nature of the crime, noting the psychological trauma inflicted on the couple’s son. In light of the child’s presence during the act, prosecutors argued that Kendall’s actions were not merely isolated incidents of an emotional breakdown but part of a disturbing pattern of domestic violence.
Kendall was also convicted of child endangerment for exposing his son to severe trauma, though the child himself was physically unharmed. Family members reported that the boy continues to grapple with the emotional aftermath of the event. His aunt described how the child repeatedly expressed his feelings of loss, highlighting the profound effects his mother’s death had on his young life.
In addition to the murder and child endangerment charges, Kendall faced a separate weapons violation involving a 3D-printed firearm. The judge found him guilty of possessing an assault weapon, further complicating the legal proceedings against him. The evidence against Kendall included surveillance footage that placed him at the crime scene and assisted law enforcement in apprehending him within hours of the shooting.
Judge Glenn Kim, who described the case as one of the most challenging he had litigated, imposed restrictions on Kendall’s future contact with his son. He will be prohibited from contacting the child until November 2035, except under limited circumstances authorized by the court. This decision adds a significant dimension to the case, as it extends legal considerations well beyond his imprisonment.
The tragedy marked a pivotal moment for Ligdis, who had aspirations of becoming a nurse and was a dedicated student at Diablo Valley College. After her death, friends recalled her caring nature and her concerns about Kendall’s unpredictability. Ligdis’s family received her posthumous degree from the college, underscoring her commitment to her studies and the loss of a promising future.
This case highlights the intersections of domestic violence, parental responsibilities, and the lasting effects on children caught in such traumatic situations. With Kendall’s sentence now finalized, he will serve his time in state prison. The legal outcome stands as a somber reminder of the broader issues surrounding domestic violence, as Ligdis’ family continues to mourn their loss while advocating for the well-being of her young son.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus shifts towards ensuring a stable environment for the child, who faces the long-term emotional repercussions of witnessing such a horrific event. The case underscores the need for increased awareness and prevention resources for families dealing with domestic violence to protect future generations from similar fates.