Kaylor expected to change plea following mediation

WALLACE — Majorjon Kaylor is expected to plead guilty to four counts of second-degree murder, according to a mediated settlement agreement that was signed and filed earlier this week. 

In September, Kaylor pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, and one of burglary, in connection with a quadruple homicide that took place in Kellogg on June 18, 2023. He is accused of killing Kenneth Guardipee, 65, Kenna Guardipee, 41, Devin Smith, 18, and Aiken Smith, 16, at their shared multi-dwelling residence.

Last month, District Judge Barbara Duggan ordered the mediation after the prosecuting and defense attorneys agreed it would be in the best interests of “justice and judicial efficiency” that the case attempt to seek a resolution outside the courtroom. 

Retired District Judge Jay Gaskill oversaw the mediation, which stipulates that all four counts of first-degree murder be reduced to second-degree and that the felony burglary charge be dropped.  

The difference between first and second-degree murder classifications comes down to the facts and circumstances, which include determining if the killings were premeditated or not. 

First-degree murder can also be charged if the victim is a law enforcement officer, judicial officer or a child under age 12. 

In Idaho, any murder that isn’t charged as first-degree, is considered second-degree murder. First-degree murder comes with a potential death penalty sentence or, at a minimum, life imprisonment. Each count of second-degree murder is punishable by no less than 10 years imprisonment, and a maximum potential life sentence. 

Kaylor’s expected change of plea removes the need for a trial and sends the case directly to sentencing. 

As part of the agreement, the prosecution, victims, and defense counsel will all retain their ability to argue for and against Kaylor’s potential sentence.

Kaylor's defense counsel will also be able to present expert testimony at the time of his sentencing. 

The prosecution retained the right to examine the possibility of other parties who may also be culpable in the deaths of the four victims. 

The agreement was signed by eight members of the victims’ family.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Kaylor admitted at the crime scene to the killings saying that he “snapped” and subsequently carried out the crimes after returning home from work on Father’s Day. This was after an incident involving Devin Smith and Kaylor’s daughters, which had been investigated by Kellogg Police, who reportedly filed charges against Smith just days before the killings. 

A change of plea hearing is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m.