WALLACE, Idaho — Majorjon Kaylor, convicted of quadruple homicide, received a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Monday, March 25 for the brutal killings of a family of four in Kellogg, Idaho.
The courtroom was packed as Kaylor, clad in all black with handcuffs and ankle restraints, entered without showing any visible reaction to the sentencing.
Family members from both sides addressed the court, expressing the profound impact of the tragic loss. Russell Guardipee shared, “Words cannot capture the daily loneliness we endure. Our lives have been engulfed by grief.”
Gerri Silva, mother of victim Kenna Guardipee, lamented, “We have lost three generations. The absence of my children for nine months haunts me every sleepless night.”
Addressing Kaylor, Judge Barbra Duggan condemned the heinous nature of the crime, stating, “Your decision has robbed this community of four individuals.”
In December 2023, Kaylor pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 65-year-old Kenneth Guardipee, his 41-year-old daughter Kenna Guardipee, and her sons, 18-year-old Devin Smith and 16-year-old Aiken Smith.
David Silva, grandfather to Aiken and Devin, emotionally expressed, “He wiped out an entire branch of our family tree. I have lost my cherished companion (referring to Aiken). The community has lost a dedicated volunteer. A beautiful family annihilated by a single individual.”
The tragic event unfolded on June 18, 2023, when Kaylor executed the family in their duplex, citing a grievance against Devin Smith, whom he accused of indecent exposure to his family.
Judge Duggan revealed that prior to the incident, Kaylor had reported Devin’s actions to the Kellogg Police, who had taken a report but no further action.
Following the shootings, Kaylor called 911 and admitted to the killings, claiming he was protecting his family from a perceived threat. However, the judge rebuked his actions, highlighting the devastation caused to both families.
Kaylor’s defense attorney argued that the government had failed to address Kaylor’s concerns regarding Devin’s behavior, leading to a tragic outcome. The attorney emphasized that Kaylor’s actions were not premeditated.
During sentencing, the prosecution sought a fixed term of 50 years, while Kaylor’s attorney requested the possibility of parole.
When given the chance to speak, Kaylor declined, choosing not to offer any remarks.
In a poignant statement, Jolene Sharp remarked, “There are no words to describe these senseless murders. A good father would never commit such atrocities.”
Kaylor’s guilty plea to second-degree murder was the result of mediation between the prosecution and defense, which also resulted in the dismissal of a felony burglary charge.
Sheriff Holly Lindsey indicated that Kaylor’s transfer to a state prison could occur within a week to several months, as per the standard procedures for second-degree murder convictions in Idaho.