The trial for the man accused of killing a woman in his driveway in Washington County begins today with jury selection, though no jurors had been selected by Monday afternoon.
Kevin Monahan is facing charges of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence. Monahan, 66, is accused of killing 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis.
On Monday, potential jurors spent the day going through the preliminary round of conflict questionnaires with Judge Adam Michelini.
Before jury selection started, the judge reviewed several motions. From that, observers learned words that can’t be used by the prosecution in the trial, including victim, assailant and perpetrator.
It was also determined no clothing, buttons or signs showing support for Gillis will be allowed during the trial. A recording made of defense attorneys evaluating the alleged weapon in the case won’t be played during the trial.
There was also discussion around witnesses allowed to testify and the scope of their testimony. The officers who took Monahan into custody that night share the last name Gillis, but have been determined not to be related to Kaylin Gillis, and their testimony will be allowed.
Also expected is testimony from Gillis’ boyfriend, specifically, about the group’s intended destination that night.
It started in April 2023, when Gillis, of Schuylerville, was riding in a car with her friends. The group was lost on its way to a party at a friend’s house and turned around in Monahan’s driveway in Hebron.
Police say Monahan admitted that he came on his porch armed with a shotgun and fired at the vehicle. They say he fired two shots, and Gillis was hit once in the neck.
Her friends say they tried to call 911, but cell phone signals in that area were spotty, and they were unable to get through for help until they drove to a neighboring town. Gillis was pronounced dead at the by first responders.
Four months after the shooting, Andrew Gillis, Kaylin's father, filed a civil lawsuit against Monahan and his wife Polly Jinx. He says Monahan is liable for injuries, damages and wrongful death. In addition, he said Monahan didn’t do enough to safely maintain his property.
Monahan has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence.
The criminal trial that was set to begin in late October last year was postponed. Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan said it was delayed to allow more time for expert analysis of evidence.
Monahan’s bail was denied multiple times. Monahan remains incarcerated. He faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
The trial is expected to take three weeks.