A grand jury has indicted an Alabama mother who, along with her daughter, allegedly kidnapped and then killed a woman by forcing her off a cliff, WHNT-TV reports.
Loretta Carr, 44, faces a charge of capital murder (kidnapping) for the death of Mary Isbell, who vanished three years ago. Carr’s daughter, Jessie Eden Kelly, is also facing a charge of capital murder in connection with Isbell’s death. Prosecutors served notice to Carr’s defense team that they intend to seek the death penalty.
Investigators allege that the mother and daughter kidnapped Isbell in October 2021 and then forced her off a cliff and into the Little River Canyon.
Isbell was last seen alive in October 2021. Her ex-husband reported her missing in December 2021 after failing to call their son for Christmas.
In June 2023, a search crew found remains later identified as belonging to Isbell. The crew was acting on a tip based on information from Kelly, according to WHNT-TV.
Authorities later arrested Carr on June 25, 2023. Kelly, who was arrested in Pennsylvania and extradited to Alabama, had already been in custody.
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As CrimeOnline previously reported, physical evidence was found at Isbell’s home related to the crime, including evidence of a struggle.
Kelly allegedly confessed to investigators that she and her mom went to Isbell’s residence in DeKalb County, where they beat her with a gun and then forced her off the cliff even while she “begged for her life,” WAFF-TV reports, citing court records.
Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Nick Brown described the allegations against the mother and daughter as “inhuman and brutal,” according to WHNT-TV.
Brown has said that the motive for the killing may involve a love interest. “They are all acquaintances, mainly to a boyfriend,” Brown told WAAY-TV. “They all do come back to one specific person.”
Carr’s was arraigned on May 8.
Kelly has a court hearing scheduled for June 6.
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[Feature Photo: Mary Elizabeth Isbell/Hartselle Police Department]
