A Plea for Safety
Lyle Landers, the 46-year-old former husband of social media influencer Sara Gilson, has spoken out about his desperate attempts to protect her from her estranged husband, Shawn Duffey, before the couple was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. According to Landers, he had been trying to convince Gilson to leave the relationship for several years.
«I had begged her for five years to get away from him,» Landers stated in an interview. «I had offered to help her in any way I could. However, he appeared to exert a level of control over her that made it impossible for her to break free.» Landers characterized the relationship as one where Gilson had become unfortunately accustomed to domestic abuse.
Co-parenting and Family Dynamics
Landers and Gilson, who shared two children, had finalized their divorce seven years ago and maintained a healthy, cooperative relationship. Describing their dynamic, Landers noted: «It was the best thing for our children and for us. We co-parented exceptionally well, which was reflected in our kids.» He praised Gilson as a dedicated mother, adding that her commitment to protecting their children may have ultimately contributed to the tragic outcome.
Allegations Preceding the Tragedy
Prior to their deaths, the couple had separated earlier this summer. In a public TikTok video posted on July 11, Gilson leveled serious allegations against Duffey, claiming that he was a pedophile. Duffey never publicly responded to these claims before the incident occurred.
In the weeks leading up to the tragedy, Gilson used her social media platform to address the emotional toll of her divorce and her primary focus on her children. «While I am grieving and attempting to process the most difficult situation imaginable, my sole focus is on my children and their well-being,» she wrote.
Remembering a Mother
Following the tragedy, Landers expressed that he would always remember Gilson as a «beautiful person, inside and out.» He highlighted her deep love for others and her devotion to her children. «She was a fantastic mother. She went above and beyond for our kids and ensured they always knew how much they were loved,» he shared.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gilson and Duffey, and further details have not yet been released to the public.