Motive a mystery as Sherburne murderer gets 18-year prison sentence
Kelly J. Gillett was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for second degree murder in Chenango County Court Friday. Above, she pleads guilty to the murder at a May 10 court appearance. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)
NORWICH – Appearing in court on Friday, confessed murderer Kelly J. Gillett, of Johnson City was sentenced to 18-years to life in prison.
Investigators said they were disappointed in her lack of remorse and that she offered no insight into why she gunned down her Sherburne boyfriend as he slept.
On October 19, 2020, in the Village of Sherburne, Gillett repeatedly shot the victim, Jonathan Ryan, 39, with a 20 gauge shotgun as he laid in bed.
On May 10 Gillett pleaded guilty to second degree murder in a plea deal but she never offered a reason why she committed the murder. Investigators have puzzled over a possible motive for the crime, saying an investigation revealed no drug use, domestic violence or financial troubles.
Gillett declined to speak at sentencing and officials said she showed no remorse.
“Motive is not always explained,” said Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese. “Ms. Gillett can explain and she decided not to speak in court today.”
“I was disturbed by the pre-sentence report and investigation,”said the DA. “She was asked, 'is she or was she remorseful?' and she expressed no remorse. She deserves to spend the rest of her life in prison for the cold blooded murder of Jonathan Ryan,” he said.
After Gillett refused her final chance to speak, Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr., said, “I hear no remorse. I thought we might hear – I was prepared that after the last 8, 9, 10 months something would have evolved and we have heard something more.”
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