In a shocking and heartbreaking case from Indiana, a former Ohio police officer named G. Guilfoyle, aged 33, has been sentenced to 100 years in prison after attempting to murder his pregnant wife and a sheriff’s deputy, while using his 2-year-old daughter as a human shield during a gunfight.
The violent incident, which took place just days before Christmas in 2022, resulted in life-altering injuries for his wife and the death of their unborn baby. Guilfoyle was found guilty but mentally ill, and will serve both a prison sentence and undergo psychiatric treatment.
A Night of Violence and Tragedy
Authorities said Guilfoyle shot his 25-year-old wife, H. Lynch, in the head outside their home. She was five months pregnant and collapsed in the snow, left for dead in freezing temperatures. After the shooting, Guilfoyle ran off with their toddler, who was wearing only a onesie in below-zero weather.
A snowplow driver spotted them walking on the road and called the police. Sheriff’s Deputy A. Bowers responded, thinking it was a welfare check. But when Bowers arrived, Guilfoyle opened fire, hitting him in the chest. Thankfully, Bowers survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest.
In the exchange of gunfire, Bowers shot back, critically injuring Guilfoyle and forcing him to drop the child. The deputy quickly grabbed the toddler, who was not hurt, and ensured her safety.
Wife Survives, But Suffers Permanent Damage
Officers found Lynch barely alive in the snow, and she was airlifted to the hospital. She spent weeks in recovery. During the sentencing hearing, she gave an emotional statement in court. Facing her husband, she said:
“You disfigured me. This happened because of you.”
She explained she now lives with a shunt in her skull, lost a toe from frostbite, and had to relearn how to walk. She also mourned the loss of their baby, saying:
“She is my daughter—not yours.”
Lynch shared that their relationship had long been filled with abuse and control, and that she had felt manipulated and broken.
Guilfoyle Claimed Mental Illness, But Jury Found Him Guilty
In court, Guilfoyle appeared in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the neck down due to the injuries he suffered during the shootout. His defense team argued he had PTSD and other mental health issues, claiming he had hallucinations linked to his past police service.
While three out of four medical experts supported the claim of insanity, the jury returned a “guilty but mentally ill” verdict. This means he will receive mental health treatment while serving his prison sentence.
Judge Delivers Harsh Sentence
Judge B. Hill sentenced Guilfoyle to:
- 38 years for attempted murders of his wife and the deputy
- 20 years for use of firearms
- The remaining years for neglect and aggravated battery
In total, he received a 100-year sentence.
Fellow officers from Guilfoyle’s previous job testified that he had exaggerated his trauma, questioning the legitimacy of his PTSD diagnosis.
Guilfoyle expressed regret in court, saying:
“I’m so sorry this happened. I love you with all my heart.”
But prosecutors and the judge rejected his apology, calling it empty and too late.