A Mississippi man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 domestic-abuse killing of his ex-girlfriend.

District Attorney Kassie Coleman announced Thursday that Montrell Deundtrae Taylor, 31, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2021 murder of Denisha Knight.

A Lauderdale County jury convicted Taylor of Capital Murder after a four-day trial. Circuit Judge Charles Wright handed down the sentence, ordering Taylor to serve life in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Knight was killed in September 2021, just two weeks after ending her relationship with Taylor following an assault. He was arrested the following month and indicted in June 2023.

“Far too often, victims of domestic violence are killed when they choose to leave their abuser,” said Coleman. “The actions of domestic abusers will not go unchallenged, and they will be prosecuted. I hope the Knight family finds some comfort in knowing that the defendant has been held accountable. My prayers remain with Denisha’s loved ones who have endured so much.”

Knight’s parents, Dennis and Hazel Knight, said their daughter was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend who loved sports and coaching young people. They expressed gratitude to Investigator Clifford Holloway, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, and the DA’s office for their work.

The case was prosecuted by Coleman and Assistant DA Tommy Whitfield. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.