In 2023, tragedy struck when 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis lost her life during a drive to a house party in Hebron, New York. Kevin Monahan, using a shotgun, fired two shots into the SUV in which Gillis was traveling, fatally hitting her in the neck. In the rural area with limited cell service, the group rushed Gillis to Salem, New York, near the Vermont border, but she tragically passed away before emergency services arrived.
Following the incident, Monahan was engaged in a tense hour-long negotiation with local police at his home, eventually leading to his arrest for second-degree murder. Despite pleading not guilty, Monahan later testified that while he intended the first shot as a warning, the second shot that resulted in Gillis’ death was a mistake. He claimed the gun discharged unintentionally, and he felt his life was under threat at the time.
The fatal encounter occurred when Gillis and her friends mistakenly turned down Monahan’s driveway. From his porch, Monahan opened fire as they attempted to leave. Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy, who investigated the incident, emphasized that there was no justification for Monahan to feel threatened, describing Gillis as an innocent young girl out with friends.
Kaylin Gillis, remembered by her family as a talented artist, honor student, Disney enthusiast, and animal lover, had dreams of becoming a marine biologist and was eagerly anticipating starting college in Florida.
In January 2024, Monahan was convicted of second-degree murder, along with charges of reckless endangerment and tampering with physical evidence. His sentencing was expected in March of that year, with potential penalties ranging from 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Kaylin Gillis.
