Kevin Monahan faces 25 years to life for the tragic incident in Hebron
Kevin Monahan, a 66-year-old man from New York, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis in April last year. The tragic incident occurred when Gillis, along with her boyfriend and friends, mistakenly entered Monahan’s driveway in Hebron.
According to reports, Gillis and her companions had pulled into the driveway, realizing their mistake shortly after. As they were about to leave, Monahan allegedly emerged from his house and fired two shots from a shotgun, one of which struck Gillis.
During the sentencing in Washington County, Judge Adam D. Michelini emphasized the loss of “unrealized potential” due to Monahan’s actions. He sternly stated, “It’s not OK to shoot people and have them killed for turning down your driveway,” highlighting the severity of the crime.
Monahan chose not to speak in court, and his defence
attorney argued that the shooting was a “terrible accident” and that the shotgun was defective. However, a firearms expert testified that the gun was functioning properly at the time of the incident.
The court heard emotional testimonies from witnesses, including Gillis’s boyfriend, Blake Walsh, who described the chaos and panic in the car after the shots were fired. Despite efforts to save her, Gillis succumbed to her injuries.
The sentencing serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of impulsive actions and the importance of responsible firearm use. The incident has left a community in mourning and highlights the need for increased awareness and safety measures.
