Kaylin Gillis: The judge sternly reprimanded a 66-year-old man on Friday prior to handing down a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a woman who was a passenger in a car that mistakenly entered his driveway in rural New York last year.
Judge Adam Michelini of Washington County expressed his concerns to Kevin Monahan, stating, “There is a possibility that you may repeat the same actions in the future. It is clear to me that you believe your actions were justified. You refuse to acknowledge the consequences of your actions. You simply do not comprehend the gravity of the situation.”
Furthermore, the judge issued a concurrent sentence of up to seven years in prison for reckless endangerment, along with a consecutive term of up to four years in prison for tampering with evidence.
Monahan was found guilty last month for the death of 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis in April 2023. Gillis was a passenger in a vehicle that Monahan shot at when it mistakenly entered his driveway while the occupants were searching for a friend’s house. Unfortunately, Gillis succumbed to her injuries shortly after the incident.
The prosecution contended that the 66-year-old defendant displayed reckless behavior. On the other hand, the defense argued that the incident was a tragic accident. Monahan himself testified during the trial to provide an explanation for his actions.
Michelini admonished the defendant for making a joke to the jury about finally being able to see their face as the first thing they did on the witness stand. The defendant’s audacity to discuss future plans of finishing their house and racing motocross, after senselessly taking the life of Kaylin Gillis, was questioned by Michelini. The defendant was reminded that they did not deserve such privileges and asked what made them think they were entitled to them.
According to the judge, Monahan not only took away a friend, a girlfriend, a daughter, a granddaughter, and a sibling by killing Gillis, but also robbed society of her unrealized potential. Gillis had the ability to positively impact the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of our society.
Michelini stated, “Your remorse is not for the harm you inflicted. Your regret stems from facing the repercussions of your actions. You took the life of Kaylin Gillis. You fired at a vehicle with occupants without concern for the consequences, and you continuously deceived others about it. You should serve the longest prison sentence permitted by law, and my decision is not made lightly. I do so because it is the appropriate course of action. I do so because it is just.”
The prosecution sought the highest possible punishment, while the defense pleaded for leniency, emphasizing Monahan’s remorse and clean criminal record prior to the shooting incident.
After the verdict was delivered, Tony Jordan, the District Attorney of Washington County, commended the poise and testimony of the youths who were present with Gillis on the tragic night of her demise.
In the eyes of Jordan, the contrast between the accused and the children he harmed is truly remarkable. During the trial, these children bravely shared their deeply personal and horrifying experiences with remarkable composure.
According to Jordan, the court’s stern reprimand on Friday accurately reflects the general public’s perception of the situation: that the accused’s actions were those of an angry and self-centered individual who showed no regard for the lives of others.
“The judge’s assessment was absolutely correct – this individual poses a significant threat to society, and if released, there is a high likelihood that he would repeat his actions,” stated Jordan, referring to Monahan.
*Monahan stated that he perceived a sense of threat.
Monahan refrained from speaking in court prior to the judge delivering the sentence. During the trial, Monahan stated that he and his wife felt threatened that day and he only wanted to protect her, as per Spectrum News 1. Monahan informed the jurors that they were disturbed by the presence of three vehicles in their driveway: two SUVs and a motorcycle revving its engine. He mentioned that he instructed his wife to hide in the closet while he armed himself with a 20-gauge pump-action shotgun before heading outside.
According to Spectrum News 1, Monahan shared that he considered the past criminal activities in the area and fired a warning shot into the air. The vehicles started to leave slowly, but he lost his balance on some nails on the deck when the second fatal shot was fired.
During the cross-examination, Monahan was unable to identify the nails in a photograph that caused him to lose his balance. He became emotional when questioned about his feelings regarding Gillis’ death, expressing to the jury that his “soul is dead.”
Gillis tragically lost her life in a shooting incident shortly after a Black teenager in Kansas City was shot by a White homeowner due to a mistaken address. These incidents gained significant attention nationwide.
Following the shooting in New York, Gillis’ group quickly left the scene in search of cell phone reception and immediately contacted emergency services.
They were discovered approximately 5 miles away from the house in Salem. Despite the efforts of first responders who administered CPR, Gillis was pronounced dead at the location.
Law enforcement officers visited Monahan’s residence in Hebron, where they encountered uncooperative behavior, as stated by the Washington County sheriff during a press briefing.
During this difficult time, Gillis’ family released a statement honoring her as a compassionate and radiant individual who positively impacted the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
“She was a beloved big sister, cherished daughter, loyal friend, and devoted partner to her loving boyfriend. With kindness, humor, and love, she was just beginning to navigate her path in the world,” the family expressed. “Kaylin possessed artistic talent, excelled academically, adored Disney, and had a deep love for animals. She eagerly anticipated starting college in Florida to pursue her dream of becoming a marine biologist.”
Gillis graduated from Schuylerville High School in 2021 and held the position of “flyer” on the cheerleading team.