OWASSO, Okla. –
Owasso Police have released new information connecting a June child molestation investigation involving a traveling youth basketball coach with an apparent murder-suicide that happened July 23.
Investigators say the suspect in both cases, 48-year-old Jeremiah Shawn Duffey, was under a protective order filed by his estranged wife when officers responded to the deadly domestic violence call.
June investigation referred to federal authorities
According to police, officers took a report June 9 after a juvenile and a parent came to police headquarters alleging inappropriate sexual contact during a basketball event at an elementary school.
Investigators said Duffey, who coached a traveling competitive basketball team, allegedly inappropriately touched a juvenile player. Police said similar conduct involving the same victim was reported to have occurred over an extended period in multiple jurisdictions and states.
Officials emphasized the team was not affiliated with Owasso Public Schools, and Duffey had no connection to the district. The team was renting the school’s gym while classes were not in session.
Because police determined the alleged offense occurred in Indian Country and Duffey was a member of the Osage Nation, the investigation was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office under the Federal Major Crimes Act, ending Owasso Police’s jurisdiction over the reported molestation case.
Who Sara Duffey was
Sara Duffey, who went by Sara Gilson, worked as a hairstylist and had built a following as a TikTok influencer, where she sold clothes and jewelry.
Sara Duffey posted a video on TikTok on June 11 calling her estranged husband a “pedophile”.
Domestic violence call ended in two deaths
Police said officers responded shortly after 11:15 p.m. July 23 to a home near 12318 N. 130th E. Ave. after a 911 caller could be heard screaming before what dispatchers believed was a gunshot. A second 911 call from a juvenile reported his stepfather had shot his mother.
Officers found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators believe the case appears to be a murder-suicide.
Police identified the woman as 43-year-old Sara Jane Duffey and said she had obtained a protective order against Jeremiah Shawn Duffey following the June investigation. Investigators said Owasso Police had received no reports alleging violations of that protective order before the July 23 incident.
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