Influencer Killed By Estranged Husband After Posting Chilling Viral TikTok
A social media trend that was largely being used for jokes has become part of a horrifying real-life story after an Oklahoma influencer was killed by her estranged husband.
Sara Gilson, a 43-year-old mother of two, was fatally shot Thursday, July 23, by her estranged husband, Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, according to the Owasso Police Department. Investigators say the deaths appear to be a murder-suicide.
Gilson's death came less than two weeks after she posted a TikTok that would ultimately be viewed millions of times.
The video followed a popular social media trend in which users pretend they are being interviewed for a future Netflix documentary. While many people have used the trend to joke about relationships or embarrassing moments, Gilson's version was far more serious.
In the July 11 video, Gilson said she was preparing for a hypothetical documentary about her soon-to-be ex-husband after learning of allegations that he had sexually abused a minor. In the caption, she made clear that the situation was not a joke.
Gilson had already obtained a protective order
The allegations against Duffey stretched beyond Gilson's social media posts.
According to police, a girl and her parent reported on June 9 that Duffey, who coached the girl's traveling basketball team, had inappropriately touched her during an event at an elementary school. Another coach allegedly witnessed the incident, intervened and alerted the girl's parent.
Police said similar alleged conduct involving the same juvenile had reportedly occurred over an extended period and across multiple jurisdictions and states. Because Duffey was a member of the Osage Nation and the reported incident occurred in Indian Country, the case was submitted to the U.S. Attorney's Office for review.
After the allegations surfaced, police contacted Gilson and provided information about seeking an emergency protective order.
She filed for one on June 10, and it was granted. Court records showed Duffey was ordered to remain at least 100 yards away from Gilson and her home.
Child reportedly called 911 after the shooting
Just weeks later, police were called to Gilson's home.
Authorities said dispatchers received a 911 call around 11:16 p.m. Thursday and could hear a woman screaming, followed by what sounded like a gunshot. Attempts to reconnect with the caller initially went unanswered.
Moments later, a boy called 911 from a neighbor's home and reported that his stepfather had shot his mother.
When officers arrived, Gilson and Duffey were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds to the head.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing, but authorities believe Duffey shot Gilson before fatally shooting himself. Gilson's son was temporarily taken into protective custody before being released to another parent who was not involved in the incident.
Gilson leaves behind a son and daughter.
Story drawing attention far beyond Oklahoma
The timing of Gilson's death, coming shortly after the TikTok video and weeks after she obtained a protective order, has helped the case spread rapidly across social media.
What began as Gilson participating in a viral trend has now become one of the final public glimpses into what she was experiencing before her death.
Friends have remembered Gilson as a devoted mother whose children were at the center of her life. A fundraiser established for her children described her as someone who worked hard to provide for them and wanted to give them the best life possible.
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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff