A Florida man who raised thousands of dollars on GoFundMe over the murder of his husband is now a suspect in the slaying.
Timothy Smith, 59, was found dead in his home on March 24 after not showing up for work. Officers at the scene determined that he “suffered a violent attack prior to his death.”
This week, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods announced that Smith’s husband, Herbert Swilley, is considered a suspect.
“Herbert Swilley, the victim’s spouse, is considered a suspect in Timothy’s murder,” the sheriff’s office said Tuesday. “Detectives spoke with Mr. Swilley at the earliest stages of the investigation, and they have been trying to speak with him again, but his attorney has indicated that he will only cooperate if he is provided with immunity from prosecution for Timothy’s murder.”
In Facebook posts following the murder of Smith, Swilley wrote, “My dearest friend and partner Tim Smith passed away unexpectedly” and “[It’s] hard not having you to talk to. But I still talk to you.”
“You will always be in my heart and thoughts,” Swilley wrote in a post just hours before being named a suspect. “Jordan and I will celebrate our anniversary tonight out having dinner.”
Swilley’s daughter, Jordan Swilley, is also a person of interest, according to a report from Fox News.
“Because Herbert and Jordan won’t speak with the detectives investigating Timothy’s murder about evidence that has been uncovered during the investigation, we are hoping that there are people in this community who may know things that could help us solve this case,” the sheriff’s office statement continued. “This could include information regarding Timothy’s activities in the days and weeks leading up to his death, or information about Timothy and Herbert’s relationship.”
In April, Swilley collected $2,200 in donations on GoFundMe for a “celebration of life.”
“Hi this Timothy’s spouse,” the fundraiser said. “Raising fund for Funeral and celebration of life. The money will be used for cost on funeral and celebration life event . It will also help out with expenses for the family . Because of this tragedy there is unforeseen Expenses. This has been a tragic loss for everyone family and friends.”
Anyone with any information, “even if it seems unimportant,” is asked to call the Marion County Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP. A $14,500 reward has been offered for information that leads to the killer.
Timcast News has contacted Swilley for comment. We will update this story if a response is provided.
