A 65-year-old Washington County man was charged Monday in the shooting death of a 20-year-old woman, who authorities say was in a car that made a wrong turn into his driveway.

Kevin Monahan was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Kaylin Gillis.

Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy said Monahan fired two shots from his front porch Saturday night on Patterson Hill Road in the rural community of Hebron, and one bullet killed Gillis.

“They had driven up the wrong driveway, they were only in the driveway a short period of time, Washington County Sheriff Jeffery Murphy said. “They were turning around and in the process of leaving when Mr. Monahan came out on his porch and fired two shots.

“They didn’t exit the vehicle, they didn’t approach the house, they didn’t ring a doorbell, they didn’t pound on the door,” Murphy said. “That in and of itself indicates there was no threat to Mr. Monahan.”

Investigators say one of the bullets struck Gillis. With limited cell service, the group of four friends quickly drove for five miles to the neighboring town of Salem to call 911 for help. Emergency crews arrived and performed CPR on Gillis but couldn’t save her.

“The passengers in the car, I can’t say enough good things,” Murphy said. “They’re young people, as well. Their composure was remarkable under the circumstances and a very chaotic scene like that.”

Monahan was uncooperative with law enforcement at the scene and was eventually taken into custody "after several hours," according to the sheriff's office. He was jailed pending a court appearance in the coming days.

The Gillis family made a statement on Facebook Tuesday afternoon that was shared with the media by a family representative.

"Kaylin was a kind, beautiful soul and a ray of light to anyone who was lucky enough to know her. She was a big sister, much loved daughter, devoted friend, and partner to her loving boyfriend. She was just beginning to find her way in the world with kindness, humor, and love. Kaylin was a talented artist, an honor student, a Disney fanatic, and loved animals. She was looking forward to starting college in Florida to pursue her dream of becoming a marine biologist. She was taken from us far too soon, and we are devastated. Our family will never be the same but we will be guided by Kaylin's positivity, optimism, and joy as we learn to live with her loss. Our family would like to send sincere thanks to the thousands of other people and other families who've expressed their support in this difficult time. Your well wishes and prayers are deeply appreciated, have been heard, and will carry us through this difficult journey. We ask for privacy as our family grieves the loss of our beloved daughter and focuses on celebrating her short but beautiful life." 

Gillis, according to the Schuylerville school district, graduated from Schuylerville High School two years ago.

“She was always smiling and laughing,” Schuylerville Central School District Superintendent Gregg Barthelmas said. “And she was always trying to make others laugh as well.”

The district described her as “a beloved member of our school community, a talented artist, and a kind, compassionate person."

“The artwork we still have, two years after her graduation, speaks volumes to the impact she had while she was here,” Schuylerville High School Principal James Ducharme said.

Beyond her artistic ability, Gillis was described as being a kind person.

“She really was a friend to all and cared for everyone around her,” Schuylerville Middle School Principal Katie Elsworth.

An online fundraiser for her family, which includes siblings in the seventh and ninth grades in Schuylerville, has garnered the support of dozens across her community and beyond.

“We’re there for the family,” Barthelmas said. “If they need anything from the school district, we’ll be there.”