Jamaican-Born Woman Gets Life Without Parole for Fatal Stabbing in Florida

FLORIDA, USA — A 31-year-old Jamaican-born woman, Sakiyna Thompson, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Kayla Hodgson in Tamarac, Florida.

The deadly stabbing occurred in July 2022, and prosecutors argued that Thompson traveled from New York to Florida with the intent to confront Hodgson, whom she believed was romantically involved with her ex-boyfriend. According to the state, Thompson disguised herself, went to the victim’s apartment in the early morning hours, and was seen leaving with a weapon shortly after the attack.

Thompson took the stand in her own defense, admitting she stabbed Hodgson but claiming self-defense, telling jurors that Hodgson attacked her and cut her with a piece of glass. She also revealed she was two months pregnant at the time and acted to protect herself.

Jurors ultimately dismissed her account, ruling that the killing was premeditated.

The presiding judge described the murder as “heinous,” while Hodgson’s family delivered emotional statements highlighting the brutality of the attack and the finality of the sentence.

Thompson will spend the rest of her life behind bars.