Hebron, New York – In a tragic incident that unfolded in rural upstate New York, Kevin Monahan, 66, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. The incident occurred in April 2023 when Gillis and her friends mistakenly drove onto Monahan’s property while looking for a party and were met with fatal consequences.
The jury unanimously reached a guilty verdict in January after less than two hours of deliberation, convicting Monahan of murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering with physical evidence. The prosecution pushed for a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, highlighting the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim and her loved ones.
During the trial, Monahan testified that he tripped and accidentally fired the fatal shot, claiming that he believed his home was under siege by intruders. However, prosecutors argued that his actions were driven by irrational anger towards trespassers, leading to the tragic loss of Gillis’ life.
Gillis’ father, Andrew Gillis, spoke of the immense grief and loss his family experienced, emphasizing his daughter’s love for animals and her aspirations to work in marine biology or veterinary medicine. He expressed the daily struggle of waking up without her presence, underscoring the lasting impact of her absence on their lives.
The victim’s boyfriend, Blake Walsh, who was driving the vehicle on the night of the shooting, addressed Monahan directly in court, stating, “I will never be able to forgive you.” The emotional impact of the incident was palpable as family members and friends grappled with the senseless loss of a young life and the justice served in the courtroom.
Judge Adam Michelini underscored the importance of the verdict as a message against senseless violence, stating, “It’s not ok to shoot people and have them killed for turning down your driveway.” The sentencing of Monahan to 25 years to life in prison serves as a reminder of the consequences of taking a life and the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm.
As the community reflects on the tragedy and the impact it has had on all involved, the memory of Kaylin Gillis lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, a young life taken too soon in a heartbreaking turn of events.