In a shocking turn of events, a Florida man has been arrested and charged with the murder of his spouse, Timothy Smith, after allegedly administering a lethal dose of diphenhydramine and subsequently snapping the victim’s neck. The suspect, Herbert Swilley, a 55-year-old handyman, had previously raised thousands of dollars on GoFundMe following his spouse’s murder. However, it has now come to light that Swilley stood to gain $333,000 in life insurance payouts as a result of the crime.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Swilley is accused of dosing Smith with 30 times the recommended amount of diphenhydramine, a common ingredient found in allergy medicines and sleeping aids. The suspect then allegedly strangled Smith with enough force to break his neck. Authorities had identified Swilley as a suspect back in August and have spent months building a case against him. During the investigation, evidence of a history of domestic violence, a cover-up attempt, and a financial motive has been uncovered.
It is believed that the murder occurred after Swilley discovered that Smith intended to leave him. The crime took place between the overnight hours of March 23 and 24. Swilley is accused of staging the crime scene and hiding evidence to cover up his actions. He allegedly transported Smith’s body from their home to another apartment, cleaned up the scene, and then went home to delete data from their Ring camera system. Additionally, Swilley disposed of what appeared to be two carpets from their residence at a landfill.
During the investigation, Swilley provided misleading, false, and contradictory information to authorities. When asked for a second interview, his attorney insisted on immunity from prosecution for Smith’s murder. Swilley has publicly addressed his spouse’s death on Facebook multiple times, soliciting donations through GoFundMe for a “celebration of life” and expressing his grief.
On Saturday, Swilley was booked into the Marion County Jail and is currently being held without bond. He faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. The case has shocked the local community and serves as a reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the lengths some individuals will go to for personal gain.
In conclusion, the arrest of Herbert Swilley for the alleged murder of his spouse has sent shockwaves through the community. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the dedication of law enforcement agencies in uncovering the truth. Domestic violence remains a prevalent issue, and this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased awareness and support for victims.
