Ex-Husband Seeks to Block Murder-Suicide Perpetrator's Estate Claims

The former spouse of slain social media influencer Sara Gilson has petitioned an Oklahoma court to ensure that no assets from her estate transfer to anyone connected with the man who killed her, according to probate filings submitted on July 29.

Lyle Landers, 46, who shares two children with Gilson, filed court documents asserting that the 43-year-old content creator died without establishing a will. The documents, exclusively obtained by Celebrity News: Latest Celeb News & Pictures - Us Weekly, reveal that Landers conducted an exhaustive search for any testamentary documents following Gilson's death on July 23 but located none.

Investigators determined that Jeremiah 'Shawn' Duffey, 47, forced entry into the Oklahoma City residence he once shared with Gilson and shot her before ending his own life. News of the murder-suicide emerged publicly on July 25, two days after the fatal incident occurred.

The probate petition centers on Oklahoma statutes that bar individuals convicted of murder or manslaughter from receiving inheritance from their victims. Landers invoked state legal precedent establishing that wrongdoers cannot profit from their criminal acts. His filing argues that because Duffey 'intentionally an feloniously took [Sara's] life' before his suicide, any designated beneficiaries of Duffey's estate 'should be barred from inheriting from the decedent.'

Oklahoma law explicitly prohibits anyone found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or first-degree manslaughter from inheriting property from the victim, receiving estate interests, or claiming benefits as a designated account beneficiary, according to the state statutes cited in the filing.

Landers identified personal property located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as comprising Gilson's estate. He stated his intention to 'preserve and protect' these assets for the benefit of their children, Mia, 14, and Tye, 13.

The court documents request that Landers be appointed administrator of Gilson's estate and guardian ad litem for the minor children. This legal designation would empower a court-appointed individual to safeguard the interests of minors or incapacitated adults during legal proceedings. Landers contended that because Mia and Tye remain under 18, they 'cannot adequately participate in protecting their rights' should any of Duffey's beneficiaries attempt to claim portions of their mother's estate.

The filing also asks the court to establish the legal identity of Gilson's heirs during the upcoming hearing. Landers and Gilson finalized their divorce in 2019.

The tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of serious allegations and legal actions. In June, a 15-year-old female basketball player whom Duffey coached accused him of sexual misconduct. Gilson subsequently posted a TikTok video referencing the allegations, writing, 'Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile,' adding, 'I wish I was kidding.'

After the accusations surfaced, both Gilson and the teenage accuser sought emergency protective orders against Duffey. Court records reveal this was not Gilson's first attempt to obtain legal protection from her husband. She had previously filed protective orders in August 2021 and September 2021, though both were dismissed before the year ended.

The June protective order, however, was granted prior to her death. In that filing, Gilson stated that Duffey possessed a 'firearm on him' and had 'went on the run' following the child abuse allegations.

Radio dispatch logs from July 23 document that an unidentified male caller contacted 911 from the residence. The caller reported hearing Gilson beg for her life from someone believed to be Duffey. The emergency call also indicated that a child was present in the home at the time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.