Man found guilty in girlfriend’s death, admits to using ‘special bullet,’ officials say

LEWIS COUNTY, Ky. – One man has been found guilty in the murder of his 20-year-old girlfriend.

According to Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, on Tuesday, 23-year-old Damien Hebbler was found guilty of intentional murder in the death of 20-year-old Kylie Marie Weitz Willis of Garrison.

The jury recommended a 50-year sentence, according to the attorney general’s office.

On August 9, 2023, officials say Hebbler “intentionally shot and killed his girlfriend at close range.”

At trial, officials say Hebbler stated he “carried a special bullet with him, which was the same round used to shoot the victim in the face and kill her.”

Less than a year prior, Hebbler had made statements about wanting to kill Weitz, according to the attorney general’s office.

“Today’s jury verdict delivers hard-won justice and affirms that Kylie Marie Weitz’s life mattered,” Coleman said. “In Kentucky, we take domestic violence crimes seriously, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable.”

Hebbeler will be sentenced on June 5.