Tamarac, FL – A 31-year-old woman accused of traveling from New York to Florida to murder her ex-boyfriend’s new lover testified in her defense on Monday, claiming she killed the woman, who was stabbed dozens of times, in self-defense.
Sakiyna Thompson Faces Murder Charge for Death of Kayla Hodgson
Sakiyna Thompson is on trial for the brutal murder of 23-year-old Kayla Hodgson. Deputies from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office allege that Thompson killed Hodgson at the victim’s apartment in Tamarac, Florida, on July 13, 2022. In her testimony, Thompson acknowledged the killing but insisted she acted in self-defense, a claim that is central to her defense in the ongoing trial.
“I was walking in the blood,” Thompson reportedly told the jury about the chaotic aftermath of the killing, which prosecutors say was a premeditated act of violence. According to her account, Thompson traveled from New York to Florida intending to have a “woman-to-woman” conversation with Hodgson. However, things quickly escalated, leading to the violent attack.
Thompson’s Testimony: A Woman’s Claim of Self-Defense
In court, Thompson admitted to stabbing Hodgson but insisted that she was acting in self-defense after being attacked by the victim. She said Hodgson, who had been armed with a hookah glass, slashed her across the stomach during their confrontation. Thompson claimed she then “blacked out” and, when she regained consciousness, found herself holding the murder weapon with Hodgson lying dead on the floor in a pool of blood.
When questioned by the prosecutor, Thompson was asked, “You didn’t kill her because she was fighting you?” Thompson responded, “No, I killed her because she took the glass from the hookah and slashed me across the stomach.”
Despite her claims of self-defense, Thompson’s actions after the attack raised questions about her intentions. She reportedly changed into the victim’s clothes and attempted to clean up the crime scene before fleeing the apartment.
No 911 Call and Thompson’s Flight to New York
Thompson admitted that she did not call 911 after the killing. She claimed she was afraid and didn’t know what to do. Instead, she traveled back to New York, where she remained until authorities tracked her down. She was arrested on August 3, 2022, and extradited back to Florida, facing charges of first-degree murder.
Prosecution’s Case: A Calculated Attack
The prosecution contends that Thompson’s actions were premeditated and that the brutal stabbing of Hodgson was not an act of self-defense. Prosecutors have pointed to Thompson’s behavior after the incident, including her decision to flee and attempt to cover up the crime, as evidence of her guilt. They argue that Thompson’s narrative of self-defense is a fabrication and that the attack was a result of jealousy and anger over her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship.
Hodgson suffered dozens of stab wounds, which prosecutors say indicate a vicious and sustained assault, far beyond what could be considered a reaction to being slashed with a hookah glass. They argue that Thompson’s attempt to clean up the scene and change her clothes further demonstrates her awareness of the gravity of her actions and her intent to avoid detection.
Kayla Hodgson’s Family Remembers Their Loved One
The death of Kayla Hodgson has left her family devastated. In the wake of her murder, Hodgson’s family set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses. The fundraiser described Hodgson as a woman who was “an amazing daughter, a very loved and adored big sister, niece, granddaughter, and cousin.” The family emphasized how much she was loved by everyone and how she was a friend to all, with a bond like no other.
“Kayla meant so much to so many people,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Everyone loved her tremendously and she was a friend to all.”
Closing Arguments Set for Tuesday
As the trial progresses, both the prosecution and defense were set to present their closing arguments on Tuesday. Thompson’s fate now rests in the hands of the jury, who will need to determine whether her actions were indeed an act of self-defense or a calculated and deliberate murder.
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