Just over two years after Nina Cumbest was deliberately run over by a truck driven by ex-boyfriend Terrance McNaughton in a Gautier, Miss., parking lot, a Jackson County jury found McNaughton guilty of 2nd degree murder, prosecutors said.

Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Kathy King Jackson sentenced McNaughton to 40 years, without parole, in a Mississippi state prison.

Thursday’s verdict brought to an end a three-day trial and a long wait for justice for Cumbest’s family, who stood vigil by her bedside — first at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, then a nursing home, and ultimately her own home — as she clung to life for six months after she was hit by the truck before ultimately dying of a traumatic brain injury and other serious injuries.

Cumbest was 27 years old. She left behind a young daughter.

“The jury saw the truth and found Terrance McNaughton guilty of 2nd-degree murder despite the defendant’s efforts to gaslight them,” said Jackson County (Miss.) District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.

“Nina had a voice in the courtroom and today justice was delivered. If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, please know that there is help and hope.”

McNaughton had twice previously been charged with domestic violence for assaulting Cumbest, first in November 2020 and then again in April 2021. It was the second case which prompted Cumbest to end the relationship and obtain a restraining order against McNaughton, prohibiting him from making contact with either her or her then 8-year-old daughter.

Four days prior to a scheduled court appearance, however, McNaughton struck Cumbest with his truck in the parking lot of a Gautier Chevron station, hitting her with such force she came out of her shoes before falling and striking her head on the pavement, according to Gautier police investigators.

McNaughton was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge was upgraded after Cumbest’s death.

Cumbest’s sister, Sarah Cumbest Minor, told Gulflive.com just after Nina’s death she believed the justice system had failed her sister.

“So many people lost a friend, my parents lost their daughter, my brothers and I lost our sister, her nieces and nephews lost their Nene and most important, her daughter lost her mother,” Minor said.

“I never thought that this would be our reality, that my sister would be ruthlessly murdered especially when it could have been prevented had the justice system done their job.”

Thursday, however, a measure of justice came for Nina and her family.

Under Mississippi law, a 2nd-degree murder conviction can carry a life sentence if the jury unanimously agrees to the sentence. In McNaughton’s case, the jury could not agree and thus Jackson sentenced him to 30 years — the maximum allowed when the jury does not impose a life sentence.

Prosecutors had praise for Cumbest’s young daughter, who testified during Thursday’s sentencing hearing.

“Terrance McNaughton stole a beautiful soul who has impacted many, many lives,” said assistant district attorney Carolyn Lewis. “I am in awe of the strength shown by Nina’s daughter who spoke at the sentencing in this case. She demonstrated incredible bravery and poise in facing her mother’s killer.”