A California man has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison after being convicted of killing his former girlfriend in front of their 4-year-old son during a violent incident in 2024.

Jeffery Kendall, 39, was convicted of murdering Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis, 30, after prosecutors said he broke into her basement apartment in Pinole on Feb. 16, 2024.

According to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Ligdis made a desperate 911 call during the incident as she attempted to protect herself and her young son. Prosecutors said she could be heard pleading with Kendall to stop and expressing concern about the impact his actions were having on their child.

The couple’s young son was present during the fatal attack and witnessed the death of his mother. Prosecutors described the incident as an especially disturbing example of domestic violence occurring after a relationship had ended.

Kendall and Ligdis had reportedly separated shortly before the killing. Family members previously told local media that Kendall had struggled with mental health issues and had a history of drug use.

After the shooting, Kendall reportedly fled the scene but was later located and arrested by the California Highway Patrol.

A jury found Kendall guilty of murder on July 31. He was also convicted of child endangerment for conduct that placed his son in danger, as well as an additional weapons charge involving possession of a 3D-printed semiautomatic firearm, according to prosecutors.

Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells described the case as an example of how violence can escalate in domestic abuse situations, particularly when one partner chooses to end a relationship. Prosecutors argued that the circumstances of the crime warranted a significant prison sentence.

The judge ultimately sentenced Kendall to 50 years to life in prison, describing the case as one of the most difficult he had handled.

As part of the court’s orders, Kendall is prohibited from contacting his son, with limited exceptions, until the child turns 16 in 2035.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the devastating consequences that can follow escalating domestic violence, particularly when children are caught in the middle of a dangerous and volatile situation.