An Oklahoma social media influencer was fatally shot in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide, weeks after she sought a protective order against her estranged husband and publicly referenced allegations against him on social media.
Sara Gilson, also known as Sara Duffey, 43, was found dead alongside her estranged husband, Jeremiah Shawn Duffey, 48, at a home in Collinsville, Oklahoma, on Thursday night, according to local authorities.
Investigators believe Duffey fatally shot Gilson before taking his own life. However, authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing, and official findings from the medical examiner have not yet been released.
What Happened?
According to police, officers responded to a 911 call from a residence in Collinsville, a suburb of Tulsa, late Thursday night.
Dispatchers reportedly heard a woman screaming, followed by what sounded like a gunshot before the call disconnected.
A short time later, a child who had gone to a neighboring home called 911 and reported that his stepfather had shot his mother, according to investigators.
When officers arrived, they found Gilson and Duffey deceased inside the residence.
Police said both had sustained gunshot wounds, and investigators currently believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
The investigation remains active.
Protective Orders Filed Before the Shooting
Court records show that on June 10, Gilson filed for a protective order seeking to keep Duffey away from the family home.
According to her filing, she expressed concerns about her safety and alleged that Duffey had access to firearms, had threatened suicide, and had left the area.
The same day, another woman filed a separate petition for a protective order involving allegations concerning her teenage daughter.
According to court documents cited by local media, the woman alleged that Duffey had behaved inappropriately toward the teenager.
Those allegations were reported to law enforcement and, based on available information, had not been adjudicated in court before Duffey’s death.
TikTok Video Drew Public Attention
On July 11, Gilson posted a TikTok video referencing allegations against her estranged husband.
The video included on-screen text stating that she was preparing for the possibility of a documentary about her “soon-to-be ex-husband,” along with an allegation describing him as a pedophile.
In the caption, she wrote, “I wish I were joking.”
The social media post came roughly two weeks before the fatal shooting.
The allegations referenced in the video had not been proven in court.
Family Impact
Authorities said Gilson’s young son fled to a neighbor’s home following the shooting and was later placed into protective custody before being released to another parent who was not involved in the incident.
Gilson is survived by her son and daughter.
Investigation Continues
Police have not announced a final determination regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence while awaiting official forensic findings.
As with all ongoing investigations, authorities may release additional information as the case progresses.
Why This Matters
Domestic violence experts note that periods of separation or divorce can present heightened safety risks for some victims of intimate partner violence.
Protective orders are civil legal tools intended to help reduce those risks, although their effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances and enforcement.
The case also highlights how allegations shared through court filings and social media may become part of broader public discussion while legal proceedings are still ongoing.
The Bottom Line
Authorities in Oklahoma are investigating the deaths of influencer Sara Gilson, also known as Sara Duffey, and her estranged husband, Jeremiah Shawn Duffey, as a suspected murder-suicide. The incident occurred weeks after Gilson sought a protective order and publicly referenced allegations against Duffey on social media. While investigators have outlined their preliminary findings, the case remains under active investigation, and several allegations referenced in court filings and online posts were never resolved through the judicial process.
TL;DR
- Sara Gilson, also known as Sara Duffey, was found dead in Collinsville, Oklahoma.
- Authorities say her estranged husband, Jeremiah Shawn Duffey, was also found dead at the scene.
- Investigators are treating the case as a suspected murder-suicide, pending the outcome of the investigation.
- Weeks before her death, Gilson filed for a protective order and publicly discussed allegations against Duffey.
- Court records show another woman also sought a protective order involving separate allegations against Duffey, which had been reported to police.
