Shannon Gilday murder trial moved out of Madison County

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The murder case against Shannon Gilday will be moved out of Madison County following a judge’s ruling granting a change of venue.

According to a written order filed in Madison Circuit Court, the case will be transferred to Shelby County. The order states that the move is intended to ensure Gilday receives a fair trial amid extensive pretrial publicity surrounding the case.

The order was issued by Judge Cole Adams Maier, who cited concerns that widespread media coverage and public attention could impact the ability to seat an impartial jury in Madison County.

Gilday is accused of killing Jordan Morgan during a home invasion in Richmond in 2022. Morgan was the daughter of former Kentucky state lawmaker Wesley Morgan. The case has drawn statewide attention since Gilday was arrested following a multi-state manhunt.

Court records show both prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that moving the trial to another county would be appropriate. The judge’s order formally approves that request and directs the case to be transferred to Shelby County Circuit Court for jury selection and trial.

The order does not change the charges Gilday faces. Prosecutors are still seeking the death penalty, which remains an option under Kentucky law.

A case management conference is scheduled for March 20. Trial dates will be reset by the Shelby County court once the case is formally transferred and assigned.

ABC36 will continue to follow developments in this case as it moves forward in Shelby County.