A jury in Kentucky has convicted 23-year-old Damien Hebbeler of intentional murder following the 2023 shooting death of Kylie Marie Weitz. After a trial that peeled back the layers of a domestic tragedy in Garrison, Kentucky, jurors recommended a 50-year prison sentence for the man who once claimed the fatal shot was an accident.
The case dates back to August 9, 2023, when emergency dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a shooting at a local residence.
When officers arrived, they discovered Weitz, 20, with a gunshot wound to the face. She was pronounced dead at the scene. While the initial report suggested a mishap, investigators quickly shifted their focus to Hebbeler.
Evidence presented during the trial contradicted the claim of an accidental discharge. Hebbeler eventually admitted to authorities that he pointed a loaded pistol directly at Weitz’s face and pulled the trigger.
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Prosecutors further bolstered their case by revealing that Hebbeler had been carrying what he referred to as a “special bullet”—the very round used in the killing. Additionally, the investigation uncovered statements made by Hebbeler less than a year prior to the incident in which he expressed a desire to kill her.
Family and friends remembered Weitz as a vibrant young woman and a devoted cheerleader who deeply loved her family. Her death sent shockwaves through the small community, making the March 24, 2026, verdict a long-awaited moment for her loved ones.
“Today’s jury verdict delivers hard-won justice and affirms that Kylie Marie Weitz’s life mattered,” Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a statement following the conviction. “In Kentucky, we take domestic violence crimes seriously, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable.”
Hebbeler remains in custody as he awaits his formal sentencing, which is currently scheduled for June 5, 2026.
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