Woman who shoves romantic rival over cliff at national park in ‘senseless’ murder after kidnapping her

An Alabama woman has been sentenced to life in prison after she and her daughter kidnapped a woman and pushed her from a cliff at a national park, authorities said.

Loretta Carr received a life sentence for the murder of Mary Beth Isbell, along with an additional 20 years for kidnapping, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Carr pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Prosecutors said that on the night of Oct. 18, 2021, Carr and her daughter, Jessie Kelly, went to Isbell’s home to confront her over a personal relationship. The pair assaulted Isbell, forced her into their vehicle, and drove to the Wolf Creek Overlook at Little River Canyon National Park, about 75 miles southeast of Huntsville.

At the overlook, Carr tied herself to a barrier with a rope, forced Isbell to climb over it, and then pushed her into the canyon, according to court records.

Isbell’s ex-husband reported her missing in December 2021, but investigators did not locate her remains for about 18 months.

Carr, who was 45 at the time, and Kelly, then 22, were charged with Isbell’s murder in 2023 after investigators received new information in the case.

Isbell’s remains were found on June 28, 2023, and identified two days later — on what would have been her 39th birthday.

Kelly previously pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of murder. She had originally been charged with capital murder and was expected to testify against her mother if the case went to trial. Kelly was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

“This is an example of a senseless act destroying a family. A mother is left without a daughter, sisters are left without their sibling, and a son is left without his mother,” District Attorney Summer Summerford said. “This family has been through so much, but they have worked closely with us and law enforcement throughout this process and have been responsive and helpful. Please continue to keep this family in your thoughts as they learn how to move forward without their loved one.”

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