Man Convicted of Brutal Murder with ‘Special Bullet’
A man in Kentucky has been found guilty of the shocking murder of his girlfriend, a crime he committed using what he described as a ‘special bullet’ he habitually carried. Damien Hebbeler, 23, was convicted this week of the slaying of 20-year-old lifeguard Kylie Weitz. The brutal act took place at a residence in rural Garrison, a small community situated just south of the Ohio border, on the evening of August 9, 2023.
Kentucky State Police were alerted to the situation around 6pm that day, responding to a distressing call concerning an unresponsive female. Upon arrival at the Garrison home, officers discovered Ms. Weitz lying on the floor near the front entrance. Tragically, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Hebbeler was apprehended and charged with murder approximately three hours after the initial emergency call. He was subsequently formally indicted for the crime in September 2023. Investigators revealed that Hebbeler confessed to aiming a loaded firearm directly at Ms. Weitz’s face and pulling the trigger. While Hebbeler did not explicitly state his motive for the horrific act, he had reportedly expressed a desire to kill Ms. Weitz several months prior to the incident, according to statements from Attorney General Russell Coleman.
During the trial, Hebbeler reportedly stated that he possessed a “special bullet,” which was the very same ammunition used to end Kylie Weitz’s life.
Kylie Weitz was remembered as a vibrant young woman with a passion for life. At the time of her death, she was employed as a waitress at Buffalo Wild Wings in Kentucky and also worked as a lifeguard. Her obituary highlighted an impressive array of hobbies, including cheerleading, track and field, volleyball, and a love for travel. She is survived by her devoted parents, Gary Willis and Mary Weitz, her sister, Kierstin Swafford, and a wider circle of extended family members.
Sentencing and Community Response
Damien Hebbeler is slated for sentencing on June 5. The jury, after considering the evidence presented, recommended a significant jail term of 50 years. Attorney General Coleman’s office issued a statement following the verdict, emphasizing the pursuit of justice for Ms. Weitz.
“Today’s jury verdict delivers hard-won justice and affirms that Kylie Marie Weitz’s life mattered,” Coleman stated. “In Kentucky, we take domestic violence crimes seriously, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable.” This sentiment underscores the state’s commitment to addressing and prosecuting acts of domestic violence.
The conviction brought a measure of solace to Kylie Weitz’s grieving family. Her sister, Kierstin, took to social media to express her profound gratitude to the prosecution team, led by prosecutor Tony, and to all the witnesses who testified.
“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,” Kierstin wrote. “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 heartfelt post concluded with the poignant hashtags, “Long live my sister” and “Long live Kylie.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The community mourns the loss of Kylie Weitz, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short. The jury’s verdict and the recommended sentence aim to provide a sense of closure and justice for her loved ones.
