A Florida woman accused of killing her romantic rival took the stand for a second day on Monday, telling jurors she blacked out during the stabbing that left a 23-year-old woman dead. Sakiyna Thompson, 31, is charged with first-degree murder in the July 2022 killing of Kayla Hodgson.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Thompson flew from New York to South Florida days before the attack, allegedly planning to kill Hodgson out of jealousy. Prosecutors said the motive stemmed from Hodgson’s relationship with Thompson’s ex-boyfriend.
Hodgson was later found dead inside her apartment at Tamarac Village Apartments, having been stabbed dozens of times. Taking the witness stand, Thompson claimed she went to Hodgson’s apartment uninvited to talk “woman-to-woman” about dating the same man.
She told the court that the confrontation turned violent after Hodgson allegedly punched her in the face. Thompson said she was two months pregnant at the time and claimed Hodgson cut her stomach with a piece of glass. “I was walking in the blood,” she testified, saying she grabbed the glass and then blacked out. When she regained consciousness, Hodgson was dead on the floor.
Autopsy photos presented in court showed that Hodgson had suffered multiple stab wounds, consistent with a frenzied attack. Thompson admitted to changing into the victim’s clothes after the stabbing, cleaning up parts of the scene, and disposing of evidence before leaving the apartment. She told jurors she was too frightened to call the police.
Investigators said Thompson’s actions before the killing show premeditation. In the months leading up to the attack, she reportedly became enraged when Hodgson blocked her on social media. Prosecutors argued that the jealousy and anger reached a breaking point, leading Thompson to fly to Florida with the intent to kill.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Eva Wilson described the crime as calculated and cruel, emphasizing the number of wounds inflicted. The prosecution said the blackout claim was an attempt to avoid responsibility for a deliberate act of violence.
The defense rested its case on Monday, maintaining that Thompson’s actions were driven by fear and panic rather than premeditation. The jury began deliberations on Tuesday. If convicted of first-degree murder, Thompson faces a possible life sentence.