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
After a week of testimony, a 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.
The murder trial of Herbert Swilley begins.
The murder trial of Herbert Swilley begins.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Further investigation reveals Timothy Smith was drugged with a massive dose of diphenhydramine, stra…
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
A grand jury formally indicts Herbert Swilley on charges related to the murder.
A grand jury formally indicts Herbert Swilley on charges related to the murder.
Herbert Swilley is arrested for the murder of Timothy Floyd Smith.
Herbert Swilley is arrested for the murder of Timothy Floyd Smith.
August 2023 — 1 developments
Authorities publicly identify Herbert Swilley as a suspect in Smith's murder, noting his refusal to cooperate with investigators without immunity.
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
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.
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 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.
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.