A 72-year-old man from Missouri, Danny Gilworth, is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree arson, and armed criminal action, after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, Sandra Gilworth, and then setting their home on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The horrific crime took place in Unionville, Missouri, on May 24, 2024.
The Disturbing Events of May 24
On the morning of May 24, a witness visiting a family member in the area of 810 South 23rd Street noticed smoke coming from a house. As they approached the property and tried to enter, they were confronted by Danny Gilworth, who was holding a rifle.
According to the probable cause statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Gilworth told the witness to “get away from the house” and added, “It’s been a bad day.”
Gilworth allegedly admitted to starting the fire, saying, “I started the damn fire myself.” Alarmed by this, the witness left and called 911. When a deputy arrived on the scene, they saw Gilworth standing outside with the rifle.
Gilworth initially resisted arrest, telling the deputy he would have to “kill him” to stop him. After a brief struggle, Gilworth was arrested and taken into custody.
The Discovery of the Victim
As Gilworth was taken into custody, family members of his wife, Sandra Gilworth, arrived and informed authorities that she was likely inside the burning house.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and investigators from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety determined that an accelerant had been used to start the fire, indicating that it had been deliberately set.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered Sandra Gilworth’s body inside the house. The coroner’s office confirmed that she had died from gunshot wounds, and the circumstances surrounding the fire raised suspicions of an attempt to cover up the crime.
Legal Charges and Further Investigation
Danny Gilworth was initially charged with second-degree arson and unlawful use of a weapon. However, as the investigation unfolded, the charges were amended. On June 18, 2024, he was charged with second-degree murder for the killing of his wife, with the knowing use of a deadly weapon.
In addition to the murder charge, Gilworth faces a felony tampering charge for allegedly altering or destroying evidence, specifically by setting the fire in an attempt to destroy any evidence of the murder. This added charge reflects the deliberate nature of Gilworth’s actions to impede the investigation into his wife’s death.
The Impact on the Community
Unionville, a small town located just south of the Iowa border, has been rocked by the shocking nature of this crime. The arrest of Danny Gilworth has left the community in disbelief, as they come to terms with the tragic death of a woman who was reportedly well-known and loved in the area.
Danny Gilworth’s arrest and the charges against him highlight the extreme lengths some individuals will go to in an attempt to cover up their crimes. With his wife’s life taken and the house set on fire to destroy evidence, this case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of violence.
Gilworth now faces serious legal consequences, and the investigation into his wife’s death continues to unfold as the case moves forward in the courts.
