A Lewis County jury on March 24 convicted 23-year-old Damien Hebbeler of murdering his 20-year-old girlfriend, Kylie Weitz, at a home in Garrison, Kentucky, on August 9, 2023, the Kentucky Attorney General’s office said.
Prosecutors say Hebbeler admitted to investigators that he pointed a loaded pistol at Weitz’s face and pulled the trigger. At trial, the defendant acknowledged that he carried what he called a "special bullet," and that the same round struck and killed Weitz.
Damien HebbelerCredit: Kentucky Attorney General's Office
When Kentucky State Police first arrived, the initial 911 caller reported that Weitz had accidentally shot herself, according to local coverage from WSAZ and The Ledger Independent. Investigators developed evidence that led to Hebbeler’s arrest hours later and to charges of homicide.
Authorities also reported that investigators uncovered statements made by Hebbeler less than a year before the killing in which he allegedly expressed a desire to kill Weitz.
Kylie WeitzCredit: globefamilyfc
Weitz, who worked as a lifeguard and waitress, was remembered in her obituary as a devoted sister, daughter and grandchild with a passion for sports, particularly cheerleading. Family and friends described her as having a large heart and a bright future cut short.
The jury recommended a 50-year prison term. Hebbeler is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5. The Kentucky Attorney General’s office said the verdict reflects the state’s commitment to holding domestic violence offenders accountable.
"Today's jury verdict delivers hard-won justice and affirms that Kylie Marie Weitz’s life mattered," Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a press release. "In Kentucky, we take domestic violence crimes seriously, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Sources: Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, WSAZ, The Ledger Independent.
