A man has been charged with second-degree murder in New York state after he allegedly shot a 20-year-old woman who accidently drove up his driveway with some friends.
The woman, identified as Kaylin Gillis, was killed when Kevin Monahan, 65, opened fire on the vehicle, hitting Gillis.
Gillis was with three other people, looking for a friend’s house in a rural area in upstate New York. Monahan fired two shots from his porch, as the group of friend realised they had pulled into the wrong driveway.
“This is a very sad case of some young adults who were looking for a friend’s house and ended up at this man’s house who decided to come out with a firearm and discharge it,” Washington Country Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy told reporters.
The Sheriff said there were several vehicles travelling together, including two cars and a motorcycle. The shooting occurred in a town called Hebron, which is rural, and driveways are not well lit.
“There’s clearly no threat from anyone in the vehicle,” Sheriff Murphy said. “There’s no reason for Mr Monahan to feel threatened.”
Gillis’ family released a statement, describing her as 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,” the statement said. “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.”