HEBRON, N.Y. – A New York man was convicted of killing a young woman, Kaylin Gillis, who mistakenly pulled into his driveway. Kevin Monahan, 66, was found guilty on Tuesday of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering in the driveway shooting trial.
Gillis, 20, was fatally shot on April 15 after the car she was traveling in, along with another vehicle and a motorcycle, mistakenly pulled into Monahan’s driveway in a location without cell service. The group was lost and looking for a party at a different house. The killing deeply affected Gillis’ family and friends who were with her at the time.
Monahan claimed that the shot that killed Gillis was an accident, occurring after he tripped. He testified at trial that he felt threatened by the appearance of the motorcycle and other vehicles, prompting him to turn on floodlights and grab a 20-gauge shotgun. He stated that he fired a warning shot, but the second shot happened by accident after tripping over nails on the deck.
Prosecutors revealed that Monahan could face life in prison, with the potential for a sentence of 25 years to life for the murder charge. They will be asking for the judge to impose the maximum sentence for his actions.
The tragic shooting sparked shock and raised questions about how a simple mistake could lead to deadly violence. Furthermore, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called it “senseless” and emphasized that “No one should be shot for showing up to the wrong house.”
The trial lasted for about two weeks in Hebron, a rural town in New York state located around 40 miles northeast of Albany, close to the Vermont border. The verdict brought some relief to the Gillis family, as they felt that there was justice for Kaylin. However, the pain of their loss still remains.
The conviction sends a strong message about taking responsibility for the use of deadly force and the consequences it brings. It also highlights the importance of properly identifying potential threats and ensuring public safety.