OCALA, FLORIDA: A Florida man, who garnered significant support online after his husband was murdered in March, is now under scrutiny as the main suspect in the tragic killing.
Herbert Swilley had started a GoFundMe for funeral expenses and posted heartfelt tributes to his husband, Timothy Smith, 59, until 10 am on Tuesday, August 8. This particular date held significance as it marked what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary.
Swilley wrote in one post, “You will always be in my heart and thoughts. I miss you every day and wish you were here. Life isn’t the same without you," hours before he was picked up by authorities.
Who is Herbert Swilley?
Swilley works as a handyman. He and Smith share a daughter, Jordan Swilley. He had openly discussed his husband's demise on social media. Initially, he shared a public post stating that "my dearest friend and partner Tim Smith passed away unexpectedly."
Marion County Sheriff’s Office stated that “Herbert Swilley, the victim’s spouse, is considered a suspect in Timothy’s murder.”
The sheriff’s office said in a Facebook update, “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."
Jordan has also been designated as a "person of interest" in connection to the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff's office further stated, “She, too, gave a preliminary statement but has declined to speak to detectives further. 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."
They added, "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. If you know anything that might help investigators – even if it seems unimportant – please call us and let us know. It may be the piece of the puzzle we need."
Swilley's fundraiser had garnered more than $2,200 in April.
‘Perpetrator was someone known to the victim’
Smith, who was an executive director at a senior living center, was discovered dead at his residence on March 25, following a wellness check prompted by his failure to appear at work, according to authorities.
"When deputies made entry to the residence, they located Smith, who was deceased and who appeared to have suffered a violent attack prior to his death," authorities said.
Sheriff Billy Woods emphasized that the gathered information led them to conclude that the perpetrator was someone known to the victim.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Marion County Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP. A reward of $14,500 is being offered for information that cracks the case.