Months after 59-year-old Timothy Floyd Smith was brutally murdered, and a day after his husband was identified as the lead suspect, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced an increased cash reward to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
The sheriff’s office stated that the Florida Sheriff’s Association Criminal Apprehension Program has committed an additional $5,000 for any information about this case that leads to an arrest. This is in addition to the rewards being offered by the Crime Stoppers of Marion County ($3,000) and Florida Association of Crime Stoppers (up to $6,500), which is in partnership with the Florida Office of Attorney General.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the status of the investigation into Smith’s death. According to MCSO, Smith’s spouse, Herbert Swilley, is considered a suspect in the homicide case.
“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,” stated the sheriff’s office.
MCSO added that Swilley’s daughter, Jordan Swilley, is also considered a person of interest in this case. She gave a preliminary statement but has declined to further speak with detectives regarding the investigation.
On Saturday, March 25, at around 10:50 a.m., Smith’s deceased body was found inside a Citrus Park residence by MCSO deputies who were conducting a well-being check since he had failed to show up for work the previous day. The sheriff’s office stated that Smith appeared to have suffered a violent attack prior to his death.
An Executive Director at Brookdale Senior Living, Smith was a fixture in the Ocala business community. Whether it was through events he hosted for hundreds of people each year, including the popular Festival of Trees, or through appearances at networking events, Smith was well-known by many as a kind, sincere, and thoughtful man. His loss was felt heavily by those who knew him, including dozens of members of the Ocala Chamber and Economic Partnership who regularly interacted with him.
Since Smith’s spouse and daughter-in-law are unwilling to speak with detectives, the sheriff’s office is hoping that there are people in the community who may have information that could help solve this case. This could include information regarding Smith’s activities in the days and weeks leading up to his death, or information about his relationship with his spouse.
“If you know anything that might help investigators – even if it seems unimportant – please call us and let us know,” stated the sheriff’s office. “It may be the piece of the puzzle we need.”
If you have any information, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call Detective Daniel Pinder (352-368-3508) or the Marion County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number (352-732-9111). To remain anonymous, call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-21 in your tip.
The anonymous tip must come through the Crime Stoppers program to be eligible for the additional funds, which are available through June 30, 2024. The $14,500 reward is the maximum amount that can be provided to an anonymous tipster. Additionally, in order to qualify for the anonymous reward, the information provided directly to Crime Stoppers must lead to an arrest.