Clay County court sentences man to life imprisonment for murder

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – A Clay County jury sentenced a man to life in prison Thursday after finding him guilty of killing his victim by stabbing him 36 times when the victim asked for a space heater.

The jury found 47-year-old Gordon McBeth guilty on Wednesday of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the killing of Darryl Gilland on October 22, 2021.

In addition, the jury sentenced McBeth to 15 years in prison for his conviction related to an armed criminal act, according to a press release from the Clay County District Attorney's Office.

“We argued that the shocking brutality of this murder deserves the maximum sentence, and the jury agreed,” Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson said in a statement. “Our office is glad we had the chance to fight for justice in the courtroom and help secure this verdict for the victim and his family.”

According to a court document, officers arrived at the scene in the 6200 block of North Topping Avenue and found McBeth at gunpoint. Witnesses had told police they saw McBeth stab Gilliand.

Gilland inquired about a space heater for the apartment they were renting from McBeth.

“Our office remains committed to seeking justice for all crime victims and ensuring that those who commit crimes in Clay County are held accountable.”

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a bystander pointing a gun at McBeth after witnesses said they saw him stab Gilland, according to a KCPD probable cause statement.

Gilland and his girlfriend had spoken to McBeth just a week before the murder about a problem with the heating in a house they had rented from Gilland.

“Darryl messaged the landlord and said, 'Hey, can we get a heater, it's really cold?'” Samantha Puhlman told KSHB 41 reporter Megan Abundis after the murder.

McBeth said he would stop by and was seen on video surveillance driving and parking a red car erratically.

“He starts throwing insulation and plastic sheeting, and that's when Darryl comes out. I got a little scared and went behind him,” Puhlman told KSHB reporter Megan Abundis. “The guy said, 'If that's not good enough, I'm going to kill you,' and he pulled out a knife and started stabbing him.”

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