(WKYT) – A jury recommended a life sentence for Shannon Gilday on Thursday, with eligibility for parole after 25 years.
Gilday was convicted of murder but mentally ill in the 2022 shooting death of Jordan Morgan. He was the only suspect in a violent home invasion in which he claimed he wanted to take over the home’s doomsday bunker.
Gilday was placed in handcuffs and led out of the courtroom Thursday after the jury delivered its sentencing recommendation.
Family disappointed with sentencing recommendation
Morgan’s family said they are not satisfied with the jury’s recommendation and believe it signals a need for changes in state law.
“Obviously we are very disappointed in the sentencing. I feel like all of the state of Kentucky should feel afraid tonight,” said Wesley Morgan, Jordan Morgan’s father.
Morgan and his family wanted the death penalty and fought four years for that outcome. Family spokesperson Mica Nicole said the recommendation is not the justice Jordan Morgan deserved.
“While the legal system may have failed us today, nothing that happened in that courtroom will change who Jordan was nor does it lessen the gravity of what was taken from us,” Nicole said.
Wesley Morgan said he believes the jury was confused by some of the instructions and that changes need to be made in the legal process. He said the laws need to protect the people and not the killer.
“Right now we are wide open. This could happen tonight. It could happen to us again. And it would be the same type of defense that would be perpetrated upon the court,” Morgan said.
Watch full video interviews with Wesley Morgan and family spokesperson Mica Nicole below:
Defense cited mental illness
Gilday’s defense team was not available for interviews immediately after the sentencing. During closing arguments, his attorney said it was the mental illness, not Gilday, that was committing the crime.
“I am asking you to believe that Shannon has value as a human being, and I am asking you express that in your verdict,” said Tom Griffiths, Gilday’s attorney.
Since Gilday has already served four years in jail, he could be eligible for parole in 21 years, in 2047.
A Madison County judge is expected to issue a final sentencing at a later date.