Kentucky Man Convicted of Intentional Murder in Point-Blank Shooting

Jury recommends 50-year sentence for 23-year-old Damien Hebbeler in 2023 killing of 20-year-old Kylie Marie Weitz

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the weapon used in the murder.The 'special bullet' used in the point-blank killing of Kylie Marie Weitz exposes the grim details of a domestic tragedy.Garrison Today

A jury in Kentucky has convicted 23-year-old Damien Hebbeler of intentional murder following the 2023 shooting death of Kylie Marie Weitz. Evidence presented at trial contradicted Hebbeler's initial claim of an accidental discharge, with prosecutors revealing he had been carrying a 'special bullet' and had previously expressed a desire to kill Weitz.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence crimes and the importance of holding offenders accountable, especially in small communities where such tragedies can have a profound impact.

The details

Hebbeler admitted to authorities that he pointed a loaded pistol directly at Weitz's face and pulled the trigger. Prosecutors further bolstered their case by revealing that Hebbeler had been carrying what he referred to as a 'special bullet'—the very round used in the killing. Additionally, the investigation uncovered statements made by Hebbeler less than a year prior to the incident in which he expressed a desire to kill Weitz.

  • The incident occurred on August 9, 2023.
  • The jury delivered its verdict on March 24, 2026.
  • Hebbeler's formal sentencing is currently scheduled for June 5, 2026.

The players

Damien Hebbeler

A 23-year-old Kentucky man convicted of intentionally murdering Kylie Marie Weitz.

Kylie Marie Weitz

A 20-year-old woman who was shot and killed by Damien Hebbeler in 2023.

Russell Coleman

The Kentucky Attorney General who stated that the verdict delivers 'hard-won justice' and affirms that Kylie Marie Weitz's life mattered.

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What they’re 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.”

— Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General

What’s next

Hebbeler remains in custody as he awaits his formal sentencing, which is currently scheduled for June 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence crimes and the importance of holding offenders accountable, even in small communities where such tragedies can have a profound impact. The verdict sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate acts of violence against innocent victims.