HEBRON, N.Y. – Jury selection began this week for the trial of 66-year-old Kevin Monahan, who is accused of fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis on April 15 last year. Monahan faces charges of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering with evidence, with the murder charge carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life in state prison upon conviction.
On the night of the incident, Gillis was in an SUV with friends, searching for a friend’s house when they mistakenly drove up Monahan’s driveway. Monahan allegedly fired two shots, one of which struck Gillis in the neck. Despite efforts by her friends to seek help, Gillis tragically passed away.
The trial, set to be prosecuted by Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan, is expected to last at least two weeks and will be presided over by County Court Judge Adam Michelini. Monahan’s attorney, Kurt Mausert, has argued that the fatal shot was fired accidentally.
As part of the screening process, potential jurors answered a questionnaire inside the Washington County Courthouse, with the selection of jurors expected to continue through Wednesday. Opening statements were not expected until later Wednesday at the earliest, and more likely will start on Thursday.