UNIONVILLE, MISSOURI — Danny Gilworth, 72, has been arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of his wife, Sandra Gilworth, 70, after authorities say he shot and killed her before attempting to cover up the crime by setting their home on fire.
The Incident and Arrest
On May 24, at around 10:35 a.m., a witness noticed smoke coming from the house at 810 South 23rd Street in Unionville, Missouri.
When the witness approached the home to investigate, they were confronted by Gilworth, who allegedly pointed a rifle at them and told them to “get away from the house” while remarking, “It’s been a bad day.” He also reportedly admitted, “I started the damn fire myself.”
The witness immediately called 911, and within minutes, a Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene. Gilworth was still outside, holding the rifle, but he complied with orders to drop the weapon.
When the deputy attempted to handcuff him, however, Gilworth allegedly pulled away and threatened the officer, saying, “You would have to kill me.”
Eventually, Gilworth was subdued and taken into custody. It was at this point that family members of Sandra Gilworth arrived and informed authorities that she was “most likely in the house.”
Discovery of the Victim
As authorities worked to put out the fire, which had been started by Gilworth, they discovered Sandra Gilworth’s body inside the home. Investigations revealed that an accelerant had been used to start the fire, suggesting that the blaze was deliberately set to destroy evidence. The Missouri Division of Fire Safety confirmed the use of an accelerant in their investigation.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Initially, Gilworth was charged with second-degree arson, unlawful use of a weapon, and felony tampering with physical evidence. However, following the discovery of his wife’s body and further investigation, the charges were upgraded to include second-degree murder due to the use of a deadly weapon.
The tampering charge stemmed from Gilworth allegedly trying to destroy or alter evidence by setting the fire, with the purpose of impairing the investigation into his wife’s murder.
Gilworth has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Putnam County Jail without bond.
Community Impact
Unionville, a small town located just 9 miles south of Iowa, has been rocked by this violent crime. Local authorities have stated that this case serves as a tragic reminder of the potential for violence in relationships and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
Gilworth’s alleged actions — the murder of his wife followed by a failed attempt to destroy the evidence — have left many shaken. His arrest and the charges against him highlight the violent outcome of what could have been a more routine domestic dispute, had it not escalated to such tragic levels.
