SHARE

Nolan Grove Guilty Of Killing Kain Heiland During Sleepover

A Red Lion teen who fatally shot his friend during a sleepover has been convicted of murder, York County authorities announced on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Kain Heiland (left) and Nolan Donald Grove (right).

Kain Heiland (left) and Nolan Donald Grove (right).

Photo Credit: GoFundMe/Terrica Agosto (left); York County Prison (right)
Kain Heiland.

Kain Heiland.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe/Terrica Agosto

Nolan Donald Grove, now 15, was found guilty of Murder in the Third Degree in the 2023 killing of 12-year-old Kain Heiland, who was shot in the back after a dispute over a "yo mama" joke, according to the York County Court of Common Pleas.

Grove, who was 13 at the time of the shooting, was tried as an adult. The verdict followed a weeklong jury trial. Jurors began deliberations on Monday, June 9, and delivered their decision the following afternoon, court records show.

Alongside the murder conviction, Grove was also found guilty of:

  • Felony Firearms Not To Be Carried Without A License.
  • Misdemeanor Possession Of A Firearm By A Minor.
  • Four counts of Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

He was found not guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter.

Judge Maria Musti Cook ordered Grove immediately remanded to York County Prison, denying him bail after the verdict was read. A pre-sentence investigation was also ordered, and Grove’s sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

Background

The fatal shooting happened on Saturday, April 1, 2023, during a sleepover at a Red Lion home.

Grove allegedly made a joke about Heiland's mother. When Heiland told him to shut up, Grove shot him in the back, Pennsylvania State Police said at the time. A .380-caliber shell casing was found next to Kain’s body. While the firearm was linked to Grove’s father, he was not charged.

Kain was pronounced dead at 9:48 p.m. that night by Deputy Coroner Scott Pennewell.

GoFundMe Created For Kain’s Family

A family friend, Terrica Agosto, launched a GoFundMe to support Kain’s family with funeral expenses, describing the shooting as a "nightmare" and saying that the 12-year-old had been spending the night at a friend's house when the tragedy occurred.

to follow Daily Voice Red Lion and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE