Florida Man's Husband Identified as Suspect in His Death

The husband of a Florida man killed in March is now a suspect in his death.

Timothy Floyd Smith, 59, of Ocala, died after a “violent attack,” Ocala-News.com reports. He was executive director of Brookdale Senior Living, and he failed to report for work March 24. The next day, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies did a wellness check at his home and found him dead. They have not released details of the attack, but they are investigating the case as a homicide.

“At this time, Herbert Swilley, the victim’s spouse, is considered a suspect in Timothy’s murder,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook last week. “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. Jordan Swilley, Herbert’s daughter, is considered a person of interest. She, too, gave a preliminary statement but has declined to speak to detectives further.”

The sheriff’s office is now asking the public for information that might help solve the case and offering a reward of up to $14,500. The sheriff asks that anyone with tips call Detective Daniel Pinder at (352) 368-3508 or the Marion County Sheriff’s Office nonemergency number, (352) 732-9111. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-21.

Smith is being remembered fondly in Ocala. “Whether it was through events he hosted for hundreds of people each year, including the popular Festival of Trees, or through appearances at networking events, Smith was well-known by many as a kind, sincere, and thoughtful man,” Ocala-News.com reports.

“Tim was a selfless man, happy and caring,” a friend, Candy Baker, told People. “His murder has left a huge hole in my heart and our city. I am so grateful for all the media support and push to bring Tim’s killer/killers to justice.”

Another friend, Sam Draper, told People that “Tim was put on this earth to ease people’s suffering and bring joy, because that’s exactly how he lived his life.”

“That is why it's been so hard to lose him for so many people,” friend Tom James told the publication. “When Tim spoke, people listened. But when you spoke to Tim, he listened like there was no one else in the room.”

Pictured: Herbert Swilley, left, and Timothy Floyd Smith.