MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A statement released from the mother of a Taylor Mill murder suspect gives clues into the possible motive of the fatal home invasion that killed Jordan Morgan, the daughter of former state representative C. Wesley Morgan in Richmond, Kentucky.
Morgan was killed early Tuesday morning in a home invasion on Willis Branch Road in Madison County. Police believe 23-year-old Shannon Vince Gilday forced his way into the home, armed with a rifle. Police said he killed Morgan and then exchanged gunfire with the homeowner before taking off.
"After the shooting, it appears the possibility he was injured in the shooting," said Sgt. Robert Purdy. "Not only are we looking for him in regards to the active arrest warrant, and try to find him. But if he needs medical care we want to make sure he gets what he needs."
As the investigation continues, Shannon Gilday's mother Katie released the following statement:
"First I want to state that I am greatly saddened for the Morgan family, friends and loved ones for the pain and suffering it is believed by the police that my son has caused them and especially for the loss of their daughter Jordan. It is a terrible tragedy.
My son Shannon Gilday, who I love so dearly, has not been of sound mind the last couple of weeks, distraught with the certainty a nuclear war is imminent. He spoke of building a bunker and the CIA following him. I tried to get him psychiatric help but to no avail.
I plead to Shannon to turn himself in so that he can get the help he so desperately needs.
Meanwhile, I thank my family and friends for their love and support and ask for our privacy as we navigate through this unthinkable tragedy."
Investigators are still working to determine a motive, but the statement from Gilday's mother helped. Morgan's home, which includes "doomsday bunker," is listed for sale online.
"Until we locate Gilday and speak to him about a motive, I am unable to say with certainty what his motive might have been," Purdy said. "We're aware of this being a possible motive, and looking into every possibility."
Police say they learned about Gilday following a "credible tip" Tuesday evening from someone who doesn't live in the area.
"A lot of times, we say 'if you see something or you think you know something, call us.' And that clue and that credible tip is what led to the developments in this investigation."
Gilday has an active arrest warrant for Murder, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, and two counts of Attempted Murder. He is considered armed and dangerous. He is believed to be driving a White 2016 Toyota Corolla with minor damage to the front grill, and a license plate of 379-VMJ.
Provided to Kentucky State Police by Blue Ash Police Department (Ohio)
KSP says they have reason to believe Gilday has some camping gear/equipment in the vehicle with him.
"We are asking people in rural areas, state parks, and national forests to be on the lookout for the suspect and his vehicle," Purdy said.
Gilday is approximately 6' tall and 167 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Surveillance footage showed him wearing a camo or tactical style pants and jacket, dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a light-colored facemask.
For safety reasons, do not approach the vehicle or attempt to contact the driver. Anyone with additional information about the investigation is urged to call KSP Post 7 at (859) 623.2404.
KSP Post 7 is conducting the ongoing investigation, assisted by KSP Personnel, Richmond Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Coroner, ATF, Madison County Attorney’s Office, and Taylor Mill Police Department.
