(WKYT) – The defense wrapped up calling witnesses Wednesday as a jury prepares to begin deciding a sentence for Shannon Gilday.
Gilday was found guilty but mentally ill in the death of Jordan Morgan. Morgan was murdered inside her father Wesley Morgan’s Madison County mansion four years ago. Gilday received other guilty verdicts of attempted murder, burglary, and criminal mischief, all with the tag line of “but mentally ill.”
The jury was sent home about 10:30 a.m. after hearing from three witnesses during the penalty phase that began Tuesday. Gilday’s great aunt, aunt and a high school teacher all said his actions to kill someone were completely out of character.
Very little was said Wednesday about Morgan. The February 2022 deadly home invasion was rarely mentioned. Instead, the defense called Gilday’s relatives and his high school German teacher.
Mary Beck talked of large family gatherings and Gilday’s involvement with them.
“Is that he is a kind person with humanity. Who I believe has a really terrible illness that took him away from himself,” Beck, Gilday’s great aunt, said.
Gilday’s high school German teacher spoke of how Gilday excelled in taking two courses at once in the same year, was strong in leadership roles and was expected to do amazing and excellent things after graduation.
“He could talk with anyone, he was personable. Everything. Everything pointed toward a successful and happy life,” the teacher said.
Gilday’s aunt Kara Hacker spoke of a Thanksgiving dinner with Gilday that was “just perfect” and being proud of Gilday’s accomplishments. All three shared how shocked they were of the crime.
“I would have said he is incredibly bright and has a wonderful future ahead of him,” Hacker said.
The jury will have options to consider once they start their deliberations: 20 years in prison, 50 years, life without parole for 20 or 25 years, life with no parole or the death penalty. Morgan’s family has said all along they want the death penalty.
The trial will likely end Thursday. The courtroom was reserved for the entire month of May for this one case.