A woman from New York flew to Florida in a jealous rage to confront her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend, whom she had been blocked by on social media. This disturbing story ended in tragedy when the woman, identified as Sakiyna Thompson, 31, was found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the violent attack on Kayla Hodgson, 23, in 2022. Thompson disguised herself, used a fake Uber account, and reached Hodgson’s home in Tamarac, Florida, where she brutally attacked her.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Kayla-Hodgson-Sakiyna-Thompson-101525-9f9090a5bd034289833e10df8f478297.jpg)
The trial, which captivated families in both New York and South Florida, culminated in a Broward County jury convicting Thompson of murdering Hodgson, who she saw as a romantic rival. Reports suggest that Thompson’s actions were premeditated, with evidence showing she meticulously planned the attack after discovering Hodgson’s relationship with her ex-boyfriend and being blocked online. Surveillance video captured Thompson’s early-morning arrival at Hodgson’s complex, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a COVID-19 mask, and gloves.
During the trial, jurors were presented with graphic bodycam footage and autopsy photos that highlighted the violent nature of the attack. The prosecution argued that Thompson’s calculated disguise and the methodical execution of the crime indicated premeditation rather than a spontaneous act. Investigators linked Thompson to the murder through flight records, cellphone data, and items recovered from the crime scene. Following her arrest in New York on August 3, 2022, Thompson was extradited to Florida to face the murder charge.
In a chilling twist, Thompson claimed during her testimony that she “blacked out” during the altercation and acted in self-defense to protect herself and her unborn child. The case came down to a debate between premeditation and self-defense during closing arguments. Assistant State Prosecutor Tonya Johnson emphasised the terror of being violated and brutally murdered in one’s own home, underscoring the gravity of the crime committed by Thompson.
After the trial concluded, Hodgson’s grieving family expressed gratitude that justice had been served. Kerry Hodgson, Kayla’s mother, acknowledged that while nothing could undo the tragedy, the verdict brought them some peace. The outcome of the trial provided closure for the family, with Kerry Hodgson appreciating the jury’s recognition that her daughter did not deserve such a violent and senseless death. The tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of jealousy and violence in relationships.
This case sheds light on the dangers of unchecked emotions and the lethal outcomes that can result from unbridled jealousy. Thompson’s actions not only resulted in the loss of a young woman’s life but also had profound repercussions for both families involved. The court’s decision to convict Thompson of first-degree murder sends a strong message about accountability for violent acts committed in a fit of jealousy and rage. As the families of both the victim and the perpetrator continue to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, the case serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of addressing conflicts peacefully and seeking help to manage intense emotions before they escalate into violence.