Cops probing murder of Florida man Tim Smith, 59, name his husband Herbert Swilley as prime suspect on same day he posts tribute: Daughter also identified as a person of interest

Authorities probing the murder of a Florida man have named his husband as the prime suspect – on the same day he posted an anniversary tribute to him.

Tim Smith, 59, was found dead at his home in Ocala, Florida, after a welfare check on March 25, with officials saying he suffered a 'violent attack'.

The executive at an assisted living home in Orlando was last seen leaving work at 4pm on March 23, with cops called after he failed to show up to work the following day.

Marion County Sheriff's Office has now named his husband, Herbert Swilley, 55, as the prime suspect in his death – as well as identifying his daughter, Jordan, as a person of interest.

Swilley spoke to officers shortly after Smith's death but has since refused to cooperate with officers unless he is 'provided with immunity from prosecution' for Smith's murder.

Tim Smith, 59, (right) was found dead at his home in Ocala, Florida, after a welfare check on March 25, with officials saying he suffered a 'violent attack'

Marion County Sheriff's Office has now named his husband, Herbert Swilley, 55, (right) as the prime suspect in his death – as well as identifying his daughter, Jordan, (center) as a person of interest

His daughter from a previous relationship Jordan, 20, has also refused to speak to officers after initially providing a statement. 

It is unclear if Smith adopted her, but he regularly referred to her as his child in posts on social media. 

Officers have refused to comply with the demand, saying that attorneys for both Swilleys have advised them not to speak to detectives.

Public Information Officer Zach Moore added: 'According to Herbert's attorney, she advised that he would not speak to us and cooperate with this investigation unless he was immune from any prosecution for Timothy's murder.

'That's not something that we can guarantee at this point and we really need to know what he knows.'

A friend has since told local media that Smith was a 'selfless person', adding that both Swilleys were not behaving in the way of 'innocent or grieving people'. 

Hours after police named Swilley as the prime suspect, he posted a tribute to his husband on social media – saying 'I miss you every day and wish you were here'.

He said: 'I just want to wish you Happy Anniversary. To my very loving husband. I know you are up there looking down on us and taking care of us.

A friend has since told local media that Smith was a 'selfless person', adding that both Swilleys were not behaving in the way of 'innocent or grieving people'

His daughter from a previous relationship Jordan, 20, has also refused to speak to officers after initially providing a statement

 Hours after police named Swilley as the prime suspect, he posted a tribute to his husband on social media – saying 'I miss you every day and wish you were here'

The handyman also set up a GoFundMe days after Smith's death, which has raised $2,235 of a $7,500 goal, stating it was for funeral costs and 'expenses for the family'

'You will always be in my heart and thoughts. Jordan and I will celebrate our anniversary tonight out having dinner.

'I wish you could be here with us in body. Because I know you are here in spirit. It would have been 8 years we've been married.

'To be honest, I miss you every day and wish you were here. Life isn't the same without you.

'I miss your smile and your loving spirit. To let you know, it's a very hard day. Because I know we would have had a great celebration. Love Herby.'

He made no reference to the update in the police investigation, and lawyers for Swilley and his daughter did not respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com.

The handyman also set up a GoFundMe days after Smith's death, which has raised $2,235 of a $7,500 goal, stating it was for funeral costs and 'expenses for the family'.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information with regards to Smith's activities leading up to his death, or his relationship with Swilley

He made no reference to the update in the police investigation, and lawyers for Swilley and his daughter did not respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com. Pictured: The couple with Jordan at their wedding 

Jordan has also refused to speak to police after initially providing a statement to officers in March

Officers are appealing for anyone with information with regards to Smith's activities leading up to his death, or his relationship with Swilley.

A spokesman said: 'Because Herbert and Jordan won't speak with the detectives investigating Timothy's murder about evidence that has been uncovered during the investigation, we are hoping that there are people in this community who may know things that could help us solve this case.

'If you know anything that might help investigators – even if it seems unimportant – please call us and let us know. It may be the piece of the puzzle we need.'

Crime Stoppers of Marion County are offering a $3,000 reward for any information, as well as the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers offering up to $6,500.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Daniel Pinder at (352) 368-3508 or the Marion County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number of (352) 732-9111.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-21 in your tip.