HEBRON, New York — The jury selection process is underway in the trial of Kevin Monahan, a 66-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis in his driveway last spring. Monahan is facing charges of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering with physical evidence. The case revolves around the circumstances surrounding the April 15th shooting, in which Gillis, a young woman from Schuylerville, lost her life.
The high-profile nature of the case has prompted the court to summon 500 potential jurors, and the selection process is expected to continue until Wednesday. As the proceedings commenced on Monday, several motions and items related to the case were discussed. One motion addressed the conversations between Monahan and Doctor Frank Isele.
The prosecution stated that if Monahan testifies during the trial, Dr. Isele will be called as an impeachment witness to challenge his testimony. Meanwhile, Monahan’s defense attorneys, Art Frost and Kurt Mausert, argued against the potential testimony of Gillis’ boyfriend, Blake Walsh. The prosecution assured that Walsh’s testimony would focus on the occupants of the vehicle at the time of the shooting and would not include any character descriptions of Gillis.
In addition to the murder charge, Monahan also stands accused of reckless endangerment and tampering with physical evidence. His defense attorneys assert that he acted out of fear when he fired the fatal shot. Authorities have been unable to locate one of the shotgun shells fired from Monahan’s 20-gauge shotgun.
Judge Adam Michelini has prohibited the use of prejudicial language such as “perpetrator,” “assailant,” or “victim” in the courtroom. This measure aims to ensure a fair trial and prevent any potential bias against Monahan.
As the jury selection process continues, the trial will shed light on the events surrounding the tragic shooting of Kaylin Gillis. With the case garnering significant attention, justice must be served while adhering to the principles of impartiality and fairness.
The trial for Kevin Monahan, accused of fatally shooting Kaylin Gillis, a 20-year-old woman, in his Hebron driveway last spring, has entered its second day. Monahan faces charges including second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and tampering with physical evidence. The court has called 500 potential jurors due to the high-profile nature of the case, with the preliminary selection process set to conclude on Wednesday. The proceedings began with discussions on motions, including conversations between Monahan and Dr. Frank Isele. The prosecution plans to call Dr. Isele as an impeachment witness if Monahan testifies during the trial. Monahan’s defense attorneys, Art Frost and Kurt Mausert, questioned the potential testimony of Gillis’ boyfriend, Blake Walsh. Judge Adam Michelini has blocked the use of prejudicial language, such as “perpetrator,” “assailant,” or “victim,” to maintain a fair trial. The trial will provide insight into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, allowing justice to be served.