MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – UPDATED 8/9/23: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced the reward is now up to $14,500 for information regarding the death of a 59-year-old Ocala man.
On Aug. 8, MCSO announced the reward had been increased to $9,500. According to the sheriff’s office, the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program has now offered an additional $5,000 for any information that helps lead to an arrest.
On March 25, deputies conducted a wellness check of Timothy Floyd Smith at his home in Citrus Park. When they arrived, they discovered the Smith dead and believe he suffered a “violent attack” prior to his death.
Detectives say that the Smith’s spouse, Herbert Swilley, is a suspect in his murder. They also state Swilley’s daughter, Jordan Swilley, is a person of interest. According to the sheriff’s office, both have refused to speak with detectives.
“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,” said the sheriff’s office in a Facebook post.
The sheriff’s office says that both Swilleys spoke with investigators early on in the investigation but have refused to speak further with detectives. They went on to state that Mr. Swilley’s attorney indicated that “he will only cooperate if he is provided with immunity from prosecution for Timothy’s murder.”
In a Facebook post on March 30, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods stated, “No piece of evidence or bit of information is insignificant. If you know something that may help advance this investigation, please pick up the phone and call us.”
Crime Stoppers of Marion County offered an initial reward of $3,000. The Florida Association of Crime Stoppers has now enhanced that with an additional reward of up to $6,500.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with any additional information to contact Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508 or the sheriff’s office non-emergency line at 352-732-9111. If you want to remain anonymous, call Marion County Crime Stoppers at 352-368-7867. You can also report a tip online.