Randall Kilby sentenced to life without parole for 2021 hatchet murders of his two Bend roommates

A second trial, for Daphne Banks' killing, on hold pending prosecutors' appeal of evidence ruling

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --A Bend man who killed his two roommates with a hatchet in 2021 will spend the rest of his life behind bars, without any possibility of parole, a judge ruled Friday at Randy Kilby's sentencing hearing. 

"The court is going to make a finding of life in prison without the possibility of parole," Circuit Judge Annette Hillman said Friday.

Last month, a jury found Kilby guilty of two counts each of first- and second-degree murder in the March 2021 hatchet killings of his two roommates -- half-brothers Benjamin and Jeffery Taylor-- at their home in southwest Bend.

Deschutes County Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breneman told the judge that the nature of the crimes "I think would justify 'true life' sentences. The nature of the facts of the case. The defendant violently and gruesomely killing Jeffrey Taylor and Benjamin Taylor, his roommates, in a home."

Defense attorney Thomas Spear argued against two life-without-parole sentences, pointing to Kilby's troubled life: "We're asking the court not to impose another, be the 'life to life sentence. I think the court heard a lot of evidence, and part of what we're asking for is the courts should also take a look at the disadvantage that Mr. Kilby has had, as far as being a methamphetamine addict, you know, had an opportunity to see some parenting of his mother and her lifestyle, and what he was exposed to as a child."

Kilby told the judge he reserved comment, when given a chance to speak, as all sentenced defendants are, nor were any "victim impact statements" read, another part of many court sentencings.

 The court also ordered Kilby to pay restitution of $2,200 to cover funeral expenses.

Kilby is also awaiting trial in another murder case. Daphne Banks, a friend of Kilby's, was killed almost three years ago Her daughters were in court Friday, relieved Kilby will remain behind bars as legal arguments over whether his statements to police were admissible lead to an appeal and further delays in that trial.     

Rio Killian said afterward, "We're very grateful that he was (given) 'true life' sentences and that he's not going to be able to be out in the community and do any more harm to anybody else."

Her sister, Laci Killian, said, "He'll never be allowed to get parole. He'll never see the light of day again."

No new date has been set for Kilby's trial for the murder of Daphne Banks. But the outcome of his first murder trial has her daughters feeling optimistic of that case's outcome.