Kentucky Man Found Guilty of Murdering Girlfriend with 'Special Bullet'
Damien Hebbeler, a 23-year-old man from Kentucky, has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Kylie Weitz, by shooting her in the face with what he described as a 'special bullet' that he always carried. The verdict was delivered this week, bringing a tragic case to a close after months of investigation and trial proceedings.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The murder occurred on August 9, 2023, at a home in rural Garrison, located just south of the Ohio border. Kentucky State Police responded to a call about an unresponsive female around 6 p.m. that day, as detailed in arrest documents reviewed by the Ledger Independent. Upon arrival, officers found Weitz, aged 20, lying on the floor near the front door. She was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating loss for her family and community.
Arrest and Confession
Hebbeler was taken into custody and charged with murder just three hours after the initial 911 call. He was formally indicted in September 2023. During the investigation, Hebbeler confessed to pointing a loaded pistol at Weitz's face and pulling the trigger. According to Attorney General Russell Coleman, Hebbeler did not disclose his motive but admitted that he had wanted to kill Weitz several months prior to the shooting.
At trial, Hebbeler revealed that he carried a special bullet with him, which was the same round used to shoot the victim in the face and kill her, Coleman's office stated in a press release. This chilling detail underscored the premeditated nature of the crime.
Victim's Life and Legacy
Kylie Weitz worked as a waitress at Buffalo Wild Wings in Kentucky and also served as a lifeguard, as noted in her obituary. Her remembrance page highlighted her vibrant personality and numerous hobbies, including cheerleading, running track, volleyball, and traveling. She is survived by her parents, Gary Willis and Mary Weitz, her sister, Kierstin Swafford, and extended family members who mourn her untimely death.
Trial Outcome and Sentencing
Hebbeler was found guilty on March 24 for killing Weitz with the bullet he referred to as 'special'. The jury recommended a 50-year jail term, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5. In a statement published Wednesday, Attorney General Coleman emphasized the significance of the verdict, saying, 'Today's jury verdict delivers hard-won justice and affirms that Kylie Marie Weitz's life mattered. In Kentucky, we take domestic violence crimes seriously, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable.'
Family's Response
Weitz's sister, Kierstin, expressed gratitude on social media following the conviction. She wrote, 'Just want to show some gratitude and shout out the prosecutor Tony and the whole prosecuting team, plus every witness on that stand for getting Justice for Kylie and her whole family. We definitely couldn't have done it without every single one of them! I'm forever grateful, and I know Kylie Weitz would be too! WE DID THAT!!' Her post concluded with the hashtags 'Long live my sister' and 'Long live Kylie', reflecting the family's enduring love and remembrance.
This case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of legal accountability in such tragic circumstances.
