In a shocking turn of events, popular TikTok influencer Sara Gilson, who went by the name Sara Duffey on the platform, was found dead alongside her husband in an apparent murder-suicide. This tragic incident unfolded weeks after Sara publicly accused her husband of being a pedophile through a viral video post.
Recently, Sara filed for a protective order against her 48-year-old husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey. On July 11, she shared a TikTok video with the impactful caption, “Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex-husband who I just found out is a pedophile.” As of Saturday, the video remained visible to her followers.
In her TikTok post, Gilson accused Duffey of inappropriate conduct with a minor, leading to escalating tensions between the couple. (TikTok/ @mrsgilson)
A mere 13 days after the unsettling video went live, police responded to a distress call at the home of the 41-year-old influencer on July 24. Upon arrival, officers discovered both Gilson and Duffey had died from what appeared to be gunshot wounds, as reported by local news station KTUL.
An extended family member identified the deceased as Sara and her husband Shawn, claiming that he likely forced entry into her home before taking both their lives. Police confirmed their identities but withheld confirmation of a murder-suicide, according to local outlet KRMG.
Police insisted there was no threat to the public at this time, according to KRMG.
Police found Sara Gilson and Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey dead after responding to a domestic call at her home, according to local reports. (TikTok/ @mrsgilson; Ajax9, iStock via Getty Images)
Authorities also said that the 911 call came from a juvenile in the house, the local media outlets reported.
Duffey had been ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from Gilson as part of her June 10 protective order against him.
On the same day she filed her protective order, another woman filed for a separate protective order against Duffey after he was allegedly spotted “kissing and fondling” her 15-year-old daughter, who played on the youth basketball team Duffey coached, according to The Oklahoman.
Duffey had allegedly been sending the girl inappropriate messages and had given her money “to keep her quiet,” the outlet reported.
After the coach was allegedly spotted with the girl, a report had been filed to the Owasso Police Department.
Gilson posted a TikTok video, following the format of a popular trend, in which she alleged her estranged husband was a “pedophile.” (TikTok/ @mrsgilson)
Gilson had also filed two previous protective orders against Duffey, though both were dismissed after Gilson failed to appear at the hearings, People reported.
Gilson and Duffey had reportedly shared children of their own.
News Media contacted the Owasso Police Department for confirmation and further details.