Sara Gilson, 43, was found shot to death in her Oklahoma home on July 23; authorities say her estranged husband, Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, then killed himself. Gilson's ex-husband, Lyle Landers, says he "begged her for five years" to leave Duffey and offered help as he believed Duffey exerted controlling behavior. Gilson had publicly accused Duffey of being a "pedophile" in a TikTok post, and multiple protective orders and recent allegations had been filed against him. A GoFundMe for Gilson's children has raised more than $29,000.
Influencer Sara Gilson Killed in Apparent Murder–Suicide; Ex Says He 'Begged' Her For Years To Leave Alleged Abuser
TikTok/mrsgilson; Facebook/Lyle Landers
Sara Gilson, a 43-year-old influencer and mother, was found shot dead in her Oklahoma home on July 23. Authorities say her estranged husband, 48-year-old Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, then fatally shot himself in what police have described as a murder–suicide.
A Former Partner Tried To Help
Gilson's ex-husband, Lyle Landers — who shared two children with her — told People that he had "begged her for five years to get away from" Duffey. Landers said he repeatedly offered help but believed Duffey exercised a controlling influence that made it difficult for Gilson to leave.
Public Allegations and Online Posts
Earlier in July, Gilson posted a TikTok accusing Duffey of being a "pedophile." In the video — styled like a mock documentary teaser — she wrote on screen that she had "just found out" and referred to Duffey as her "soon to be ex husband." The post drew attention online in the weeks before her death.
Previous Complaints, Protective Orders and Allegations
TikTok/mrsgilson
Local reporting says multiple protective orders had been filed against Duffey before the fatal shooting. NBC News reported that on June 9 a girl and a parent told police Duffey, who coached the girl's basketball team, inappropriately touched the child during a school event. These reports contributed to earlier concerns about his behavior.
Statements From Others Who Knew Him
Duffey's ex-wife, Stephanie Ramsay — who divorced him in 2018 after a roughly 20-year relationship — told TMZ she was not entirely surprised by the deadly outcome. Ramsay described him as threatening and manipulative and said he had a history of attempts to resume relationships when partners tried to break up. Ramsay and Duffey share five children; Landers and Gilson had two children together.
Community Support
A GoFundMe campaign established for Gilson's children had raised more than $29,000 as of publication, providing immediate financial support to the family while they cope with the aftermath.
Authorities continue to investigate the events that led up to the shooting. Media reports and social posts have highlighted both Gilson's public accusations and prior legal actions taken against Duffey.
Sources: People, Owasso Police Department statements, NBC News, TMZ and social media postings.
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