Woman Sentenced to Life for Pushing Hartselle Resident Off Cliff

Loretta Kay Carr received life in prison plus 20 years for kidnapping and murder of Mary Elizabeth Isbell.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A woman charged in the 2021 kidnapping and killing of Hartselle resident Mary Elizabeth Isbell was sentenced to life in prison on February 6th in DeKalb County Circuit Court. Prosecutors said Loretta Kay Carr, 46, of Fort Payne, pushed Isbell off a cliff near Fort Payne. Carr pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges under a plea agreement that reduced an original capital murder charge.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of violent crime and the importance of thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice, even in cases with limited physical evidence. The sentencing also raises questions about plea bargaining and whether life sentences are appropriate for such heinous acts.

The details

Records show Carr received an additional 20-year prison sentence for first-degree kidnapping, to be served consecutively with her life sentence for murder. Isbell's ex-husband reported her missing to the Hartselle Police Department on December 27, 2021. Investigators said phone records helped determine Isbell had been living in DeKalb County, but physical evidence did not produce national database matches. On June 20, 2023, investigators received new information and executed search warrants, leading to the arrests of Carr and her daughter, Jessie Eden Kelly. A search team located Isbell's remains in Little River Canyon National Preserve on June 28, 2023.

  • Isbell was reported missing on December 27, 2021.
  • Carr and Kelly were arrested on June 25, 2023.
  • Isbell's remains were found on June 28, 2023.
  • Carr was sentenced on February 6, 2026.
  • Carr's trial was originally scheduled for March 30, 2026.

The players

Loretta Kay Carr

A 46-year-old resident of Fort Payne, Alabama who pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges in the death of Mary Elizabeth Isbell.

Mary Elizabeth Isbell

A 38-year-old resident of Hartselle, Alabama who was kidnapped and killed in 2021.

Jessie Eden Kelly

The 24-year-old daughter of Loretta Kay Carr who was also charged in Isbell's murder and pleaded guilty to murder, receiving a 40-year sentence.

Alan McDearmond

The Hartselle Police Chief who said a tip received by his department helped lead to the arrests of Carr and Kelly.

Nick Brown

The DeKalb County Chief Investigator who said a credible tip, witness statements, and one of the defendant's statements led investigators to charge Carr and Kelly in Isbell's death.

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What they’re saying

“'One of the co-defendants was very cooperative and helped lead us to Mary's remains.'”

— Nick Brown, DeKalb County Chief Investigator (hartselleenquirer.com)

“'Carr caused the death of Isbell on or around Oct. 18, 2021. Carr killed Isbell 'by pushing her off a cliff' and did so 'during her abduction or attempt to abduct.'”

— DeKalb County Sheriff's Investigator (hartselleenquirer.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Loretta Kay Carr out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger protections against violent crime and the importance of thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice, even in cases with limited physical evidence. The sentencing also raises questions about plea bargaining and whether life sentences are appropriate for such heinous acts.