The man accused of shooting and killing 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis in his driveway in Hebron last month was arraigned in court.
Kevin Monahan, who faces charges in the incident, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence during his court appearance.
But that was actually the lighter portion of what transpired.
Monahan’s attorney, Kurt Mausert, renewed his effort to get his client released on bail. He argued the 65-year-old’s lack of criminal history with firearms is not being fully considered, and claims Monahan’s jailing has prevented standard, private conversations an attorney typically has with their client.
Mausert told reporters after the arraignment that he understands the emotions surrounding this case, but not granting Monahan's bail comes down to there being a judge that does not wants their name attached to a bail order in the case.
Another point of contention: the start date of jury selection on Sept. 7 imposed by Judge Adam Michelini. Citing an enormous amount of evidence to sift through, experts and co-counsel he has to line up, Mausert told the judge that he will not be ready for trial.
Michelini said he wants to keep the case moving and shared confidence in Mausert’s ability to get prepared.
“I’m just not going to do it," Mausert said. "He can throw me in jail for contempt if he wants to but before that happens, I’m going to go to the Appellate Division and get a stay. I’m not going to see my client’s due process rights to a fair trial subordinate to some judge’s desire to move something along.”
Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan said he’s ready for trial, and didn’t have much to say about Mausert’s concerns with the start date.
Jordan maintains Monahan should be held without bail citing the charges and the 25-to-life sentence he now faces.
Jordan believes the evidence today is stronger than it was during the first two court appearances, speaking specifically about how the bullet that killed 20-year-old Gillis on a downward angle entered the Ford Explorer she and her friends were in on the night of April 15.
“We believe that it will establish that he acted alone, and we think that’s important and that the entry of the slug into the vehicle and other evidence would all negate what was initially suggested by some that this was somehow provoked,” Jordan said.
Monahan’s attorney has 45 days to bring forward motions.
The judge wants to see all back in court on July 28.