Trial vacated in Kaylor case, now headed to mediation

WALLACE –– The January 8, 2024 trial for accused murderer Majorjon Kaylor has been vacated and now the case is headed to mediation.

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. He is accused of killing Kenneth Guardipee, 65; Kenna Guardipee, 41; Devin Smith, 18; and Aiken Smith, 16, on June 18.

Defense for Kaylor filed a stipulated motion to continue the case on November 17, on the basis that additional time would be needed to prepare for a potential trial. Along with that motion, Kaylor also waived his right to a speedy trial.

District Judge Barbara Duggan ordered that the mediation be scheduled by December 16, and would be presided over by retired District Judge Jay Gaskill. 

Duggan also outlined the stipulations for the mediation, requiring that both parties make reasonable efforts and exercise good faith during the mediation; The mediator is required to file a report to the Court after the mediation; The mediator is also requested to inform the Court in writing if any party fails to comply with the order.

Mediation in Idaho criminal cases has very specific guidelines that must be followed by all parties involved but can be potentially beneficial to those parties as a way of expediting a potential resolution. 

Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Allen, representing the State of Idaho in the case, filed a motion on June 21, stating that the State would not be seeking the death penalty for the killings. However, each murder charge does carry a potential maximum life sentence if found guilty.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Kaylor made statements at the crime scene where he admitted to the killings saying that he “snapped” and subsequently carried out the crimes after returning home from work on Father’s Day. Kaylor’s defense has filed a motion to suppress any evidence that was obtained before Kaylor was read his Miranda Rights – which included his initial admission to the killings.