Defense challenges death penalty in Shannon Gilday case, citing mental illness
MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Attorneys for Shannon Gilday are pushing to have the death penalty removed as a possible punishment in the high-profile murder case involving the death of Jordan Morgan, daughter of former state lawmaker C. Wesley Morgan.
During a mental competency hearing held Monday, the court heard from three doctors who evaluated Gilday’s mental health. Two of those doctors — including one from the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center (KCPC) — testified for the defense, stating that Gilday has a form of schizophrenia. A third doctor, however, testified that Gilday was not psychotic at the time of the alleged crime.
The hearing is a key step in determining whether Gilday is mentally fit to face the death penalty. A post-hearing brief is due by August 15. The next court date is a status hearing scheduled for October 3 at 10 a.m.
Gilday is charged with killing Jordan Morgan during a home invasion at her family’s Richmond home in 2022. Prosecutors have said they intend to pursue the death penalty in the case.
