Florida man who raised thousands after husband’s murder is now prime suspect

A Florida man who raised thousands online to honor his murdered husband has now been named the prime suspect in his slaying.

Herbert Swilley continued sharing gushing tributes to murdered hubby Timothy Smith, 59, until 10 a.m. Tuesday, on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary.

“You will always be in my heart and thoughts,” he wrote of the “very loving husband” who was murdered in March.

“I miss you every day and wish you were here. Life isn’t the same without you.”

Hours later, Marion County Sheriff’s Office stated that “Herbert Swilley, the victim’s spouse, is considered a suspect in Timothy’s murder.”

“Detectives spoke with Mr. Swilley at the earliest stages of the investigation, and they have been trying to speak with him again,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook update.

“But his attorney has indicated that he will only cooperate if he is provided with immunity from prosecution for Timothy’s murder.”

Swilley’s daughter, Jordan Swilley, was also named “a person of interest” in the case.

“She, too, gave a preliminary statement but has declined to speak to detectives further,” the sheriff’s office said, without detailing what either said about the case.

“Because Herbert and Jordan won’t speak with the detectives investigating Timothy’s murder about evidence that has been uncovered during the investigation, we are hoping that there are people in this community who may know things that could help us solve this case,” the sheriff’s office said while offering an enhanced reward of $14,500.

“This could include information regarding Timothy’s activities in the days and weeks leading up to his death, or information about Timothy and Herbert’s relationship.”

Smith, an executive director at a senior living center, was found dead at home on March 25 during a wellness check a day after he failed to show up to work, the department previously said.

“When deputies made entry to the residence, they located Smith, who was deceased and who appeared to have suffered a violent attack prior to his death,” the office said.

From the off, Sheriff Billy Woods said that “what we have learned so far now leads us to believe that it was committed by somebody who the victim knew.”

Swilley, a handyman, has written publicly about his husband’s death on social media, first sharing that “my dearest friend and partner Tim Smith passed away unexpectedly,” and that it was “hard not having you to talk to. But I still talk to you.”

His anniversary post for Smith was shared just hours before the Marion County Sheriff’s Office named him the prime suspect.

“Jordan and I will celebrate our anniversary tonight out having dinner,” Swilley wrote. “I wish you could be here with us in body. Because I know you are here in spirit. It would have been 8 years we’ve been married.”

Swilley raised more than $2,200 in donations to his GoFundMe covering expenses for a “celebration of life” in honor of Smith.