California man sentenced to 50 years to life for murder of ex-partner

Jeffery Kendall, 39, was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of his ex-partner, Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis, 30, which occurred on February 16, 2024. The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office reported that Kendall was found guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment after he broke into Ligdis's home, where she was hiding with their 4-year-old son. During a 911 call, Ligdis pleaded for help before Kendall entered the room and shot her. The couple's son witnessed the incident and called out for his mother. Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells characterized the murder as an execution and highlighted the escalation of danger in domestic violence cases after a victim decides to leave. The court imposed a sentencing enhancement, and Judge Glenn Kim noted the case as one of the most difficult he had encountered. Kendall is also barred from contacting his son until November 2035, when the boy turns 16. He remains in county jail pending transfer to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.