In a tragic incident that shook the rural community of Hebron, upstate New York, Kevin Monahan, a 66-year-old man, was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. The incident occurred on a Saturday night in April last year when Gillis and her friends mistakenly entered Monahan's long, curving driveway while searching for another house. The jury found Monahan guilty of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering in the driveway shooting trial.

During the trial, Washington County District Attorney J. Anthony Jordan expressed his office's commitment to seeking justice for Kaylin Gillis and highlighted the emotional impact the killing had on her family and friends. He emphasized that the young friends who were present that night should not feel responsible for the tragedy, as the guilty verdict confirmed that they had done nothing wrong.

The trial revealed that Monahan had claimed the shooting was an accident. He testified that he felt threatened by the presence of a motorcycle and two other vehicles, which prompted him to turn on floodlights and grab a 20-gauge shotgun. Monahan stated that he fired a warning shot but accidentally fired a second shot after tripping over nails on his deck. He expressed deep remorse on the stand, describing the profound emptiness he felt after taking someone else's life.

Monahan's defense argued that the incident was a terrible accident and maintained his innocence. However, the prosecution contended that his actions were reckless, as he shot at the vehicle without sufficient cause. Gillis tragically lost her life as a result.

The jury ultimately found Monahan guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder. He is set to be sentenced on March 1 and could face life in prison. The maximum sentence for the murder charge is 25 years to life, and the prosecution intends to request the judge to impose the maximum penalty.

The case has garnered significant attention, with media outlets reaching out to Monahan's attorneys and the Washington County District Attorney for comment. The defense maintained that the shooting was an accident, while the prosecution argued that Monahan acted recklessly. The tragic incident has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the need for justice and closure for Kaylin Gillis' family and friends.