Kentucky man convicted of killing girlfriend with 'special bullet'

A Kentucky man has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend with a “special bullet” he carried on him, authorities confirmed.

On Tuesday, March 24, a jury in Lewis County convicted 23-year-old Damien Hebbeler of killing 20-year-old Kylie Weitz at a home in Garrison, Kentucky, on August 9, 2023, according to Attorney General Russell Coleman.

“At trial, Hebbeler said he carried a special bullet with him, which was the same round used to shoot the victim in the face and kill her,” Coleman said. 

Investigators noted that less than a year before the shooting, Hebbeler had made statements expressing a desire to kill Weitz.

Kentucky State Police were initially called to the scene under the belief that Weitz had accidentally shot herself. Hebbeler was arrested just hours later. 

During questioning, he admitted to pointing a loaded pistol at Weitz’s face and pulling the trigger.

Coleman said in a press release that the jury determined Hebbeler “intentionally shot and killed his girlfriend at close range.”

Weitz, a lifeguard and waitress, was remembered in her obituary as a devoted sister, daughter, and granddaughter with a passion for sports, particularly cheerleading. “You had a heart bigger than anyone,” one comment read. 

“I’m so proud of all of your accomplishments and the beautiful young lady you grew into that was taken way too soon.”

Hebbeler is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5. The jury recommended a 50-year prison term. 

Coleman added, “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.”