Oklahoma — Newly released 911 dispatch audio has revealed the terrifying moments leading up to the deaths of Oklahoma influencer Sara Gilson and her estranged husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey, offering new insight into a tragedy that unfolded after weeks of public accusations, legal filings, and growing concerns over the couple’s safety.
Police say Gilson, 43, was fatally shot by Duffey, 48, before he turned the gun on himself inside their Owasso home late on the night of July 23. Authorities confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide, and a child who lived at the residence was the one who called 911.
911 dispatcher described hearing screams before officers arrived
According to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, emergency communications began around 11:15 p.m. when a caller reported the emergency.
A dispatcher can be heard telling responding officers that attempts to reconnect with the caller were unsuccessful.
The dispatcher said they could hear “a female in the background screaming and crying” before what was described as a loud bang.
Just minutes later, another dispatcher referenced a male who had recently been sought by authorities following allegations involving a juvenile and also mentioned a gun during the radio traffic.
By approximately 11:18 p.m., responding officers informed dispatch that they had arrived at the home.
Police say the shooting followed weeks of legal disputes
Inside the residence, officers found Gilson and Duffey dead from gunshot wounds.
The Owasso Police Department later confirmed that Duffey shot Gilson before fatally shooting himself. Family members later publicly identified both victims.
The fatal shooting came after a series of legal actions involving the couple.
On July 10, Gilson sought an emergency protective order, alleging that Duffey possessed a firearm, threatened suicide, and had gone on the run. Court records indicated that Duffey was ordered to leave the family home and remain 100 yards away from Gilson.
Court records also show that Gilson filed two protective orders in 2021, though those cases were dismissed after she did not appear at scheduled hearings.
Public allegations drew widespread attention before the tragedy
Just weeks before her death, Gilson publicly accused Duffey of being a “pedophile.”
In a July 11 TikTok video, she joined a viral trend in which users jokingly imagined sitting for a future Netflix documentary interview.
Her caption read that she was 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 joking.”
Separately, court documents show that on June 10, the mother of a 15-year-old girl filed a protective order against Duffey on behalf of her daughter.
According to reports cited by The Oklahoman, the girl alleged that Duffey, who coached her youth basketball team, kissed and touched her, sent messages, invited her to his hotel room during a tournament, and allegedly offered her money to remain quiet. Those allegations had drawn increasing public attention before the fatal shooting.
Investigation continues as community mourns
Authorities have not announced any additional suspects, and police continue to treat the case as a murder-suicide based on the evidence gathered at the scene.
The deaths have sparked widespread discussion online, with many pointing to the protective orders, public allegations, and warning signs that emerged in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or is concerned about child abuse, help is available through confidential national support services.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Do you think more could have been done after the earlier warning signs? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
