Hebron, New York – A 66-year-old man, Kevin Monahan, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. The tragic incident unfolded when Gillis and friends mistakenly drove up Monahan’s rural driveway in Hebron last April while searching for another person’s house. The conviction for second-degree murder carried a maximum sentence of 25 years to life, with additional time for tampering with the murder weapon. Despite pleas for leniency from the defense, Monahan chose not to address the court.
During the sentencing, Judge Adam Michelini emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “It’s not okay to shoot people for turning down your driveway.” He highlighted the necessity of keeping Monahan incarcerated, citing concerns about potential harm to others. Gillis’ untimely death garnered nationwide attention, coinciding with another fatal shooting involving mistaken trespassing.
On the night of the incident, Monahan fired two shots from his deck, with the second striking Gillis in the neck as she sat in the front passenger seat of an SUV driven by her boyfriend. Monahan claimed the fatal shot was accidental, attributing it to a faulty gun. He described feeling under siege by what he believed were intruders, prompting him to brandish a shotgun in an attempt to deter the group, while his wife sought refuge inside their home.
Prosecutors argued that Monahan’s actions stemmed from irrational rage towards perceived trespassers. Testimony from witnesses, including a friend of Gillis, Alexandra Whiting, corroborated key details of the tragic events. Despite minimal recognition of the private property sign by the driveway, Monahan’s neighbors noted his escalating frustration with unauthorized visitors over the years.
Following a brief deliberation, a jury found Monahan guilty of murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering with evidence. Gillis’ father, Andrew Gillis, painted a heartfelt picture of his daughter as an aspiring marine biologist or veterinarian, fond of animals and filled with dreams. The court proceedings were marked by emotional outpourings from family and friends, with Gillis’ boyfriend expressing unforgiveness towards Monahan for his role in the tragedy.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the community and loved ones continue to grapple with the profound loss of a young life and the enduring impact of mistaken actions in a tragic turn of events.