Kelly J. Gillett pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Chenango County Court Monday for an 18 years to life prison sentence. She admitted to shooting her sleeping boyfriend in October of 2020, in the Village of Sherburne. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH – Appearing in court Monday afternoon, Kelly J. Gillett, 36, of Johnson City pleaded guilty to second degree murder in exchange for a plea deal that will sentence her to a minimum of 18 years in prison.

The Chenango County Court had initially convened to hold pre-trial evidence hearings in the case, with District Attorney Michael Ferrarese preparing a number of witnesses to testify, but instead the attorney's came to an agreement leading to Monday's guilty plea.

During the proceeding Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr. listened to Gillett describe what happened on October 19, 2020, in the Village of Sherburne when she repeatedly shot the victim, John Ryan, 39, with a 20 gauge shotgun.

The victim is a father of three children, all of them from a previous relationship. Police said none of the children were at the home at the time of the shooting.

Gillett said she got out of work and then went to Ryan's home at 7 Gould in Sherburne, arriving at about 7:30 a.m. The two were in a relationship at the time.

After taking a nap for a few hours she awoke to find Ryan still sleeping. She retrieved her 20 gauge shotgun and shot him three times, she said. She did not say why in court.

“I fell asleep, I woke up by 9,” estimated Gillett under questioning from Revior.

He asked, “And what were your intentions?”