Influencer Sara Gilson Killed by Husband Weeks After TikTok Accusation
An Oklahoma influencer was shot and killed by her estranged husband in a murder-suicide, just two weeks after she publicly accused him of being a pedophile on TikTok and less than two months after seeking an emergency protective order against him.
Sara Gilson, 43, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, 48, were found dead of gunshot wounds Thursday, July 23, at Gilson's home in Owasso, Oklahoma. A child living at the home called 911, and authorities arrived around 11:15 p.m. Investigators said Duffey shot Gilson before fatally shooting himself. Family members identified the two as the victims.
On July 11, Gilson had posted a TikTok referencing Duffey's behavior, using a popular format in which users mimic sitting for a documentary interview. "Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile," she wrote over the video, adding in the caption, "I wish I was joking."
A History of Protective Orders
Court records show Gilson had sought protection from Duffey before. She filed two protective orders against him in 2021, both of which were dismissed after she did not appear at the scheduled hearings.
On June 10 of this year, Gilson filed for an emergency protective order, and Duffey was ordered out of their home and told to stay 100 yards away from her. That order was extended June 23 through Aug. 24. In her application, Gilson alleged that Duffey had a gun, had threatened suicide and had "went on the run," according to court records.
Separate Allegations Involving a Minor
The same day Gilson filed her protective order, a separate protective order was filed on behalf of a 15-year-old girl who played on a youth basketball team Duffey coached. According to that filing, Duffey allegedly kissed and touched the girl and was caught doing so by another coach.
The girl's mother alleged additional inappropriate conduct, including messages sent to her daughter, an invitation to his hotel room during a tournament trip, and an offer of money in exchange for her silence. That protective order was also extended June 23 through Aug. 24.
The Owasso Police Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the case.
If you suspect child abuse, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-422-4453. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.
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