New York woman who went to wrong house shot dead by homeowner

A 20-year-old woman was shot dead by her homeowner after she accidentally parked her car in the wrong driveway while looking for a friend’s house, police said.

Kaylynn Gillis and her friends were driving through the upstate New York countryside Saturday night looking for a friend’s address with limited cell phone service, Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy said Monday. Murphy said they drove to the wrong residence, realized their mistake and were about to leave when a man came out of the house and fired at least two shots. One hit Gillis, killing her.

The suspect, 65-year-old Kevin D. Monaghan, was arrested later that night and charged with second-degree murder.

Monaghan’s attorney, Kurt Mosert, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“My preliminary view of the case is that a series of errors led to tragedy,” Mosert told the Post. “It’s too early to say any more.”

Monaghan lived in Hebron, about 86 miles from Albany. After Gillis was shot, her friends drove to a nearby town with cell phone service and called 911. Emergency responders were unable to save Gillis.

“Mr. Monahan had no reason to feel threatened, especially since the vehicle appeared to be about to depart,” the sheriff said.

When police arrived at his house, Monaghan was uncooperative and did not come out, Murphy said. added.

Monaghan is currently being held in Warren County Jail.

“An innocent girl is out with a friend and looking for another friend’s house,” Murphy said. “I know she’s from her good family. She has a very good family. And I know it personally. She’s a young girl who was taken too young.” is.”

According to GoFundMe, Gillis had just turned 20.

“On behalf of the Gillis family, I would like to thank everyone for their love and prayers as we embark on this incredibly difficult journey of grief and healing.

Gillis’ fatal shooting comes days after a black 16-year-old boy in Kansas City, Missouri, was similarly shot by a homeowner when he rang the doorbell of the wrong house. has been charged with two felony counts of shooting, and teenage Ralph Jarl is recovering, his family said.