TAMARAC, Fla. (FN) — The trial of a New York woman accused of traveling to Florida to kill her romantic rival began Tuesday with jurors viewing graphic police body camera footage from the crime scene.
Sakiyna Thompson, 31, is charged with first-degree murder in the July 2022 stabbing death of Kayla Hodgson, 23, inside Hodgson’s apartment at Tamarac Village Apartments, northwest of Fort Lauderdale.
According to prosecutors, Thompson flew from New York to South Florida days before the killing, allegedly motivated by jealousy over Hodgson’s relationship with Thompson’s former boyfriend.
Opening statements concluded Tuesday morning, followed by the presentation of body camera footage recorded by Broward County sheriff’s deputies who responded to the scene. The footage showed Hodgson’s body lying in a pool of blood.
Jurors also heard testimony from Ravelto Robinson, a witness who discovered Hodgson’s body and placed the 911 call. His account provided a timeline of events leading up to the arrival of law enforcement.
Prosecutors allege that after the killing, Thompson attempted to clean the scene, changed into the victim’s clothing, and returned to New York. Authorities arrested her shortly thereafter.
Defense attorneys acknowledged Thompson was responsible for Hodgson’s death but argued it was an act of self-defense. They said Thompson, who was pregnant at the time, had been physically assaulted by Hodgson during a confrontation.
“This was supposed to be a peaceful conversation between two women,” defense attorney Emma Wilkes told the court. “But it escalated beyond what Thompson had anticipated.”
The trial is expected to continue for several days, with additional witness testimony and forensic evidence to be presented. The case has drawn attention due to its interstate nature and the emotional dynamics involved.
If convicted, Thompson faces a mandatory life sentence under Florida law. The court has not indicated whether the death penalty will be pursued.
