FL v. Herbert Swilley
Herbert Swilley was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the premeditated first-degree murder of his husband, Timothy Floyd Smith. Smith was found deceased in March 2023 after being drugged, strangled, and suffering a fractured cervical spine. Swilley allegedly moved the body, staged a fake crime scene, and attempted to destroy evidence. He is currently serving his life sentence.
Timeline
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September 2025 — 2 developments
Jury finds Herbert Swilley guilty of premeditated first-degree murder
After a week of testimony, a jury finds Herbert Swilley guilty of premeditated first-degree murder.
Herbert Swilley's Murder Trial Begins
The murder trial of Herbert Swilley begins.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Timothy Smith drugged, strangled, and spine fractured; Swilley named beneficiary of life insurance
Further investigation reveals Timothy Smith was drugged with a massive dose of diphenhydramine, strangled, and suffered a fractured cervical spine; Swilley is also identified as the beneficiary of a $333,000 life insurance policy on Smith.
November 2023 — 2 developments
Grand Jury Indicts Herbert Swilley on Murder Charges
A grand jury formally indicts Herbert Swilley on charges related to the murder.
Herbert Swilley arrested for murder of Timothy Floyd Smith
Herbert Swilley is arrested for the murder of Timothy Floyd Smith.
August 2023 — 1 developments
Authorities identify Herbert Swilley as murder suspect, citing refusal to cooperate
Authorities publicly identify Herbert Swilley as a suspect in Smith's murder, noting his refusal to cooperate with investigators without immunity.
March 2023 — 2 developments
Autopsy Reveals Trauma, Cleaning Chemicals in Timothy Smith's Death
An autopsy is performed on Timothy Smith, revealing signs of trauma, including ligature marks and blunt-force trauma, and the presence of cleaning chemicals at the scene.
Timothy Smith found deceased in Ocala apartment; Herbert Swilley contacts Marion County Sheriff's Office
Timothy Smith is found deceased in an Ocala apartment during a welfare check after he failed to report to work; Herbert Swilley contacts the Marion County Sheriff's Office.