5 years later, shooting victim's family calls for justice

The family of Kelly Gilliam, who was shot and killed five years ago by a stray bullet from the gun of an off-duty corrections officer, is calling for the Suffolk County district attorney to reopen the

News 12 Staff

Apr 9, 2008, 12:00 AM

Updated 6,105 days ago

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The family of Kelly Gilliam, who was shot and killed five years ago by a stray bullet from the gun of an off-duty corrections officer, is calling for the Suffolk County district attorney to reopen the case.
The family, who visited the Riverhead nightclub where Gilliam was killed on the anniversary of her death Tuesday, says they are still outraged that a grand jury decided not to indict the man who shot the Flanders mother.
Gilliam was celebrating her birthday when she was hit by a stray bullet shot by Mark Loadholt, an off-duty corrections officer moonlighting as a bar security guard. A Suffolk County grand jury reviewed evidence from the homicide investigation and decided against bringing murder charges.
?It was a bogus charge that they couldn't indict him on, anyway. This is a negligent homicide case,? said Gilliam?s mother, Dawn.
The Gilliams say they are refusing to give up. They're calling on Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota to reopen the case. They?ve also filed a civil lawsuit against Loadholt.
The Suffolk district attorney?s spokesman told News 12 Long Island that the grand jury's decision is final and the Gilliams have been notified.
To watch an interview with Dawn Gilliam, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.