Oklahoma influencer Sara Gilson and her estranged husband, Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide weeks after she accused him of pedophilia and sought a protective order. Gilson, 43, a lifestyle and beauty content creator, was shot multiple times inside her home last Thursday, according to local reports.

Ex-husband warned of abuse for years

Gilson’s first husband, Lyle Landers, told People magazine he had spent five years begging her to leave Duffey, citing concerns over domestic abuse. "Shawn had been a risk for her since they got together," Landers said. "She had been stuck in a relationship where domestic abuse seemed ‘OK.’"

Landers, who shares two children with Gilson, said he offered repeated help to end the relationship but claimed Duffey exerted "some sort of control" over her. The couple divorced amicably seven years ago, with Landers describing their co-parenting as "as well as anyone."

Protective orders and pedophilia allegations

Gilson sought an emergency protective order against Duffey, 48, less than six weeks before her death, alleging he had threatened suicide and "went on the run," The Oklahoman reported. The order required Duffey, a member of the Osage Indian Tribe, to stay 100 yards away from her.

Two weeks prior, Gilson posted a TikTok video accusing Duffey of being a pedophile. Court records show he was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl from the youth basketball team he coached. The alleged abuse spanned multiple states and included inappropriate messages, kissing, and unwanted touching, according to documents obtained by The Oklahoman.

  • Duffey allegedly offered the minor money "to keep her quiet" during a tournament.
  • A coach witnessed an assault inside an elementary school and reported it to the girl’s guardians.
  • Gilson had sought protective orders against Duffey twice in 2021, but both were dismissed after she failed to appear in court.

Investigation and unanswered questions

Duffey fled after the initial report and evaded police until the murder-suicide. Investigators noted the alleged abuse occurred across multiple jurisdictions, complicating the case. Landers said Gilson’s death stemmed from her efforts to protect children: "She was a wonderful mother and would die for her children. In fact, her trying to protect children is what ultimately led to her death."

Authorities have not released further details on the shooting or Duffey’s motives. The case remains under review by local law enforcement.