New York Woman Who Traveled to Florida to Stab Romantic Rival Dozens of Times Sentenced to Life in Prison
TAMARAC, FLORIDA — A New York woman who traveled more than 1,000 miles to confront her ex-boyfriend’s new partner — and then brutally stabbed her dozens of times — will spend the rest of her life in prison. Sakiyna Thompson, 31, was sentenced to life bzehind bars on Monday after a Broward County jury convicted her of murdering 23-year-old Kayla Hodgson in July 2022.
A Deadly Confrontation Driven by Jealousy
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Thompson went to Hodgson’s Tamarac apartment on July 13, 2022, after obsessively monitoring her Instagram account and searching her ex-boyfriend’s phone for signs of a relationship. Prosecutors said Thompson tracked Hodgson down, entered her home, and stabbed her multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Family members said the attack was fueled by jealousy, noting Thompson’s repeated online searches for Hodgson’s Instagram handle “1PrincessKay.”
Victim’s Family Calls the Murder ‘Heinous’
During Monday’s sentencing, Hodgson’s relatives — many wearing “Justice For Kayla” shirts — delivered emotional statements. They described Hodgson as a “fashionista” with a vibrant personality and a generous spirit.
One cousin directed sharp words at Thompson:
“What gave you the right to come to her home and do this to her? What makes you think you can violate someone’s right to life and just live as if nothing happened?”
Another family member accused Thompson of showing “not one drop of remorse”, saying she stared at the family throughout the legal process “as if she would do it again.”
The judge called the crime “heinous,” emphasizing that Thompson “tracked down, showed up and killed” the victim.
Thompson Claimed Self-Defense but Jury Rejected Her Story
Thompson took the stand during her trial, insisting she traveled from New York to Florida only to have a “woman-to-woman conversation.” She admitted to killing Hodgson but argued she acted in self-defense.
She testified that Hodgson allegedly slashed her with a piece of hookah glass, causing her to “black out.” When she regained awareness, she said she found herself holding the knife as Hodgson lay dead on the floor.
Prosecutors said Hodgson suffered dozens of stab wounds, and the physical evidence did not support Thompson’s story.
After the Killing, Thompson Tried to Cover Her Tracks
According to investigators, Thompson attempted to clean up the blood, changed into the victim’s clothing, and fled the state. She never called 911.
Authorities arrested her in New York on August 3, 2022, and extradited her to Florida on a charge of first-degree murder.
Loved Ones Remember Kayla Hodgson
Hodgson’s family launched a GoFundMe after her death, describing her as someone deeply treasured by her community.
“Kayla meant so much to so many people — she was an amazing daughter, a very loved and adored big sister, niece, granddaughter and cousin,” the family wrote. “Everyone loved her tremendously and she was a friend to all.”
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