Social media influencer Sara Gilson was shot and killed in Owasso, Oklahoma, by her estranged husband Jeremiah Duffey on Thursday, July 23, less than two weeks after she posted a TikTok video accusing him of pedophilia, according to police and court records.
TikTok Video, Legal Filings
On July 11, Gilson shared a video on TikTok, where she had more than 30,000 followers, using a trending format that mimics true-crime interviews. According to Nbcnews, the 43-year-old mother addressed viewers about her estranged husband, Jeremiah Duffey—who went by Shawn Duffey on social media—in the video.
“Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile.”
Sara Gilson, via NBC News
The Oklahoman noted the post featured Gilson looking visibly nervous. Her caption read: I wish I was joking. #plottwist #netflix #documentary.
Less than two weeks after that video was published, Gilson was dead.
Allegations and Protective Orders
On June 9, a girl and her parent reported to police that Duffey had inappropriately touched the girl during an event at an elementary school. Duffey coached the girl’s traveling basketball team. According to Nbcnews, another team coach intervened and reported the incident to the parent.
Investigators stated similar conduct had reportedly occurred over an extended period across multiple states. Gilson filed for and was granted an emergency protective order against Duffey on June 10 after police informed her of the accusation. She had also filed protective orders against him in 2021, which were dismissed after she failed to appear at hearings.
The mother of the 15-year-old player also filed a protective order stating Duffey had sent inappropriate messages, invited the girl to a hotel room during a tournament trip, and given her money to keep her quiet,
as detailed by The Oklahoman.
The Shooting and Investigation
On Thursday, July 23, at 11:16 p.m., officers responded to a domestic violence call in Collinsville after dispatchers heard a woman screaming and what sounded to be a gunshot,
according to Nbcnews. Gilson’s son called 911 from a neighbor’s home reporting his stepfather had shot his mother.
Responding officers found Gilson and Duffey dead from apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators determined the incident was a murder-suicide. Gilson’s son was placed into protective custody before being released to a parent not involved in the incident. She leaves behind her son and a daughter.
Family Remembrance and Community Vigil
Family members and clients remembered Gilson as a dedicated mother and a talented hairstylist. News On 6 reported that her niece, Colbi Manry, described learning of the tragedy as just gut-wrenching, earth-shattering.
“Sara was an incredible mom. Her children were the center of her world, and everything she did was for them.”
Online fundraiser organizer, via NBC News
Lyle Landers, the father of her two teenage children, wrote on Facebook that Gilson was the life of the party
who loved her kids fiercely and would fight to the death for them. A community vigil for Gilson was scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. at Morrow Elementary School in Collinsville.
