OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An Ocala man is headed for trial in March on charges he murdered his husband in order to collect his life insurance policy.
In court on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 55-year-old Herbert Swilley entered a not guilty plea in the death of his husband 59-year-old Timothy Smith.
Marion County deputies arrested Swilley on November 3 alleging he drugged and then killed Smith by choking him.
They believe Swilley then staged a phony crime scene at an apartment in Citrus Park. Deputies found Smith dead in the apartment on March 25.
BACKGROUND: Husband of Ocala businessman Tim Smith arrested, charged with Smith’s murder
Swilley is charged with first-degree murder. His case is set to go to trial in March 2024 with jury selection beginning on March 11.