Influencer allegedly killed by estranged husband after making accusation about him online
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/mrsgilson
Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse and suicide which some readers may find distressing.
An Oklahoma influencer was allegedly killed by her estranged husband after she posted a TikTok video accusing him of being a paedophile.
Sara Gilson, 43, was fatally shot on Thursday (23 July) in Owasso, Oklahoma, by her husband Jeremiah Duffey, who went by Shawn Duffey on social media, the Owasso Police Department confirmed, according to NBC News.
The outlet reported that both Gilson and Duffey were found dead with gunshot wounds following an apparent murder-suicide, as per local police.
Gilson had over 76,000 followers on TikTok, where she publicly accused her estranged husband of paedophilia less than two weeks before the tragedy.
The Independent reports that on 10 June, Gilson filed paperwork to secure an emergency protective order against Duffey, one day after police informed her that her husband had been accused of molesting a child.
The Owasso Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that Duffey's alleged crime was 'Lewd Molestation of a Minor', and that he had been charged, with the case turned over to the US Attorney’s Office for review.
On 11 July, Gilson posted a TikTok accusing Duffey of paedophilia.
She took part in the viral trend where people joke they’re ‘preparing’ for documentaries focused on events that happened in their lives.
Gilson filmed herself sitting in a chair as if she was about to be interviewed and wrote: “Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile.”
She added in the caption: “I wish I was joking. #plottwist #netflix #documentary.”
Just days after she posted the video, she was tragically killed. The video has since gone viral and been viewed more than 21 million times, after the news broke that Gilson had lost her life.
Although the incident is still under investigation, police have said it appears to be a murder-suicide.
As reported by The Independent, Gilson had two children - a son who was taken into protective custody and released to a parent who was not involved, and a daughter, with it being unknown if she was also released to the same parent, or is an adult.
A GoFundMe has since been set up to support the children and currently sits at $29,000 at the time of writing.
It reads: “Last night, our beautiful friend, Sara, was tragically taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence. Her sudden and heartbreaking loss has left an entire community grieving, but the greatest loss is felt by her two precious children, who must now face life without their loving mother.
“Sara was an incredible mom. Her children were the center of her world, and everything she did was for them. She loved them fiercely, worked hard to provide for them, and dreamed of giving them the best life possible."
The GoFundMe was set up to help support Sara’s children as they 'navigate the difficult days, months, and years ahead', with donations helping to provide for their 'immediate needs, counselling, education, funeral expenses, and other costs that arise as they begin this unimaginable journey without their mother'.
It continued: “No amount of money can ever replace Sara or heal the pain of this tragedy. But together, we can honor her memory by helping care for the two people she loved most.
"If you are able, please consider donating. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, we ask that you please share this fundraiser and keep Sara’s children, family, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you for your love, compassion, and generosity as we come together to support Sara’s children and honor the beautiful life of an amazing mother, daughter, and friend."
You can donate here.
Tyla has contacted the Owasso Police Department for comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 10am-8pm Monday to Friday. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111, 24/7.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.