FORT PAYNE, Ala.- District Attorney Summer Summerford announced that a DeKalb County woman has been sentenced to life in prison for murder and an additional twenty years for kidnapping.

Loretta Carr was sentenced Thursday by Circuit Judge Andrew Hairston in DeKalb County. The sentences will run consecutively.

Prosecutors say the crimes stem from the 2021 death of Mary Beth Isbell.

Investigators say on the night of October 18th, 2021, Carr and her daughter, Jessie Kelly, went to Isbell’s home to confront her over a relationship involving Carr’s significant other. Evidence and witness statements showed the two attacked Isbell, forced her into a vehicle, and drove her to Little River Canyon.

Authorities say the victim was taken to Wolf Creek Overlook, where Carr tied herself to a barrier with a rope, forced Isbell over the railing, and pushed her into the canyon. Isbell’s remains were later recovered below.

District Attorney Summerford called the crime senseless and devastating for the victim’s family, saying a mother, siblings, and a son were left to grieve an unimaginable loss. She also thanked the family for their strength and cooperation throughout the investigation and trial.

The case was prosecuted by Summerford, Assistant District Attorney Matt Green, and Deputy District Attorney Brady Burns.