Man Who Raised Money For Husband's Funeral Now A Suspect In His Murder

A Florida handyman who raised money for his slain husband's funeral expenses is now under suspicion by authorities. The Marion County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday (August 8) they're considering Herbert Swilley a suspect in the murder of his spouse, 59-year-old Timothy Floyd Smith.

Smith was found dead inside his home in Citrus Park on the morning of Saturday, March 25, according to MCSO's initial post about the murder. Deputies conducted a well-being check after the victim didn't show up to work that Friday. The sheriff's office noted Smith "appeared to have suffered a violent attack prior to his death."

"Detectives spoke with Mr. Swilley at the earliest stages of the investigation and they have been trying to speak with him again, but his attorney has indicated that he will only cooperate if he is provided with immunity from prosecution for Timothy’s murder," deputies explained.

Investigators also revealed Swilley's daughter, Jordan Swilley, is also a person of interest in the investigation. Authorities said she gave a preliminary statement but "declined to speak to detectives further."

The news broke the same day Swilley celebrated what would've been the married couple's 8-year anniversary on Facebook.

"To my very loving husband, I know you are up there looking down on us and taking care of us," Swilley wrote in the post. "It would have been 8 years we've been married. To be honest, I miss you every day and wish you were here. Life isn't the same without you. I miss your smile and your loving spirit. To let you know, it's a very hard day. Because I know we would have had a great celebration."

According to Fox News, Swilley raised over $2,200 on GoFundMe to cover Smith's "celebration of life."

Detectives said Smith was last seen leaving work around 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. Anyone with information on the case can contact Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508 or the Marion County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number of (352-732-9111).

There's also a combined reward of $14,500 up for grabs for giving helpful information in the case.