COLUMBIA—15th Circuit Court District Attorney Hal Kittrell announces the guilty plea and sentencing of Kyndall Carter on the charges of depraved heart murder and aggravated assault. Circuit Court Judge Brad Touchstone sentenced Carter to serve 40 years in prison for the murder of Jada Jefferson and 20 years to serve for the aggravated assault of Hannah Gomez. The sentences are to concurrent. The 40 year sentence for depraved heart murder is not parole eligible and must be served day-for-day.
On the evening of January 19, 2022, Carter opened fire on Jada Jefferson and Hannah Gomez after a disagreement over rental payments for a residence in Foxworth. After shooting the women, Carter fled the scene on foot but was apprehended by responding officers. Jada Jefferson suffered multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Hannah Gomez survived being shot, but her injuries resulted in paralysis and being bound to a wheelchair.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Laurel Brinkley and Chip Lewis, and the case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
District Attorney Hal Kittrell states: “This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of one young lady, took the ability to walk from another, and caused unfathomable grief to their friends and family. I hope this conviction brings some closure and comfort knowing Carter will be in prison for the next four decades.”
