A California man will spend decades in prison after shooting his ex-girlfriend in the head while she hid in a laundry room with their toddler son during a break-in at her home.
Jeffery Kendall, 39, was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of 30-year-old Brittany Ligdis. A jury convicted him of first-degree murder and child endangerment in May.
What Happened Inside the Home
On February 16, 2024, Kendall broke into Ligdis’ home in Pinole, California. Ligdis called 911 and hid in the laundry room with her 4-year-old son, Liam.
The 911 call captured her final moments. She was heard saying “Let go of me,” “you’re scaring him,” and “stop it” — before a single gunshot ended the call.
Liam was heard crying “mommy” before running out of the room.
How Kendall Was Caught
Surveillance cameras outside the home captured Kendall fleeing the scene. Police issued a lookout for his Hyundai Elantra. Within hours, California Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle and took him into custody.
Kendall was also convicted of possessing an illegal 3D-printed semiautomatic pistol used in the killing.
Who Brittany Was
Ligdis was studying at Diablo Valley College to become a nurse. Friends described her as passionate, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her son.
“She had so much going for her,” said her close friend Kassandra Santiago.
Her son Liam is now living with family members.
Sentence and Restrictions
At sentencing, the judge called the case “one of the most difficult” he had experienced. Kendall cannot contact his son without court approval until November 2035, when Liam turns 16.
Prosecutors described the killing as “an execution in front of a 4-year-old child.”