NYC Mom Finds Out Her ‘Soon-To-Be Ex’ Was a Pedophile. She Records a Video and Now She’s Dead: ‘Guys He Murdered Her?’
“I wish I was joking.”
Sara Gilson, a 43-year-old social media influencer and mom of two, was fatally shot by her estranged husband less than two weeks after she posted a TikTok video accusing him of being a pedophile. The incident, which police are investigating as a murder–suicide, has left her family, friends, and thousands of followers in shock.
According to NBC, Gilson shared the video on July 11, referencing a popular trend mimicking Netflix documentaries. She wrote, “Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile.” The caption reads, “I wish I was joking. #plottwist #netflix #documentary.” At the time, Gilson had over 30,000 followers on the platform, and her video quickly gained attention, with many expressing concern for her safety.
The accusations against her husband, Jeremiah Duffey, who went by Shawn Duffey online, stemmed from a June 9 report to police. A girl and her parent told authorities that Duffey, who coached her traveling basketball team, had inappropriately touched her during an event at an elementary school. Another coach witnessed the incident and immediately intervened.
The allegations against Duffey span multiple states
Police later revealed that similar allegations had been made against Duffey over an extended period, spanning multiple states and law enforcement jurisdictions. Because the incident occurred on tribal land and Duffey was a member of the Osage tribe, the case was referred to the U.S. attorney’s office for review, ending local police jurisdiction.
After learning about the allegations, Gilson filed for an emergency protective order against Duffey on June 10. The order required him to stay 100 yards away from her and her home at all times. It was later extended on June 23, set to remain in effect until August 24. Despite this, Duffey allegedly shot Gilson on July 23 in Collinsville, Oklahoma, before turning the gun on himself.
Police responded to a 911 call around 11:16 p.m., during which dispatchers heard a woman screaming followed by what sounded like a gunshot. When officers arrived, they found both Gilson and Duffey dead from apparent gunshot wounds to the head.
Gilson’s 12-year-old son, who was home at the time, called 911 from a neighbor’s house and told dispatchers that his stepfather had shot his mother. The boy was taken into protective custody and later released to another parent not involved in the incident.
Gilson’s world revolved around her children
An online fundraiser set up for Gilson’s children described her as “an incredible mom” whose world revolved around her kids. “She loved them fiercely, worked hard to provide for them, and dreamed of giving them the best life possible,” the fundraiser read.
The TikTok video Gilson posted days before her murder sparked a flood of reactions from her followers. One commenter wrote, “Wait guys he MURDERED HER?” Another said, “Sara lost her life exposing a predator. She’s a f—ing hero.”
Others pointed out the timing of the protective orders, with one noting, “Let’s not pretend he murdered her because of this TikTok. She filed an emergency protective order on June 10th and extended it on June 23rd, he was a known threat to her before this video was made.” The sentiment reflects a grim reality that another commenter summed up, “the most dangerous time for a woman in an abusive relationship is when she attempts to leave.”
‘I don’t want her life to be diminished into what happened in the end’
According to PEOPLE, Gilson’s best friend of 23 years, Kelsi Lard, spoke exclusively about her final day alive. Lard, a cosmetic tattoo artist, said she spent time with Gilson on the day she was killed. “Her last day, she was happy,” Lard recalled. “As always, she was cracking jokes and making me laugh. I will miss her so much.”
She emphasized that Gilson’s life should not be defined by her tragic end. “I don’t want her life to be diminished into what happened in the end. She brought so much joy to all of us, and I’ll miss her every day.” Lard also shared that Gilson would have wanted to be remembered as a devoted mother. “She was a fun, loving and devoted mom. She loved [her kids] more than anything in this world. She’d do anything for them,” Lard said.
Gilson had previously told her that motherhood was her “greatest accomplishment.” Another friend, who worked with Gilson at Glaze Salon in Collinsville, described her as the “life of the party,” always ready with a joke or a listening ear. “She would listen. She was there to listen and help you. Didn’t matter what she was going through. She would always make sure that she was there for you… even if she was struggling or having a hard day,” the friend said.
The salon was left reeling after her death. “Her empty chair. Not seeing her and her bubbly personality. It’s just shock. It’s pure shock,” the friend said. She added that if she had known it would be the last time she saw Gilson, she would have given her a hug – even though Gilson hated them – and told her, “I love you, and you’re amazing, and you’re beautiful.”
Gilson had filed two protective orders against Duffey in 2021
Court records show that Gilson had previously filed two protective orders against Duffey in 2021, though they were dismissed because she did not appear at the hearing. The pattern of abuse and the escalation leading to her death highlight the challenges many women face when trying to escape dangerous relationships. Gilson’s story has resonated deeply with her online community, many of whom are now rallying to support her children.
The investigation into Gilson’s death is ongoing, but the circumstances have left many questioning how such a tragedy could unfold despite legal protections. For now, her friends and family are left grappling with the loss of a woman who brought laughter and love into their lives.
(Featured images: Sara Gilson @mrsgilson on TikTok)
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