Randy Gori
We told you yesterday about the tragic death of attorney Randy Gori, 47. The prominent nationwide asbestos litigation lawyer and philanthropist was found dead on Saturday of an apparent homicide. Now authorities have released more detail about Gori’s death, and they’ve charged a man in connection with the homicide.
Timothy M. Banowetz, 28, was charged yesterday with first-degree murder, armed robbery, vehicle theft and unlawful restraint. Police say Banowetz stabbed Gori, resulting in his death, and unlawfully restrained two unnamed minors. As reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the sheriff of Madison County noted the particularly heinous nature of the case:
“In my 22-year career as a law enforcement official, I’ve seen a lot of gruesome cases,” Madison County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Dave Vucich said Monday. “But this one elevates to the top of heinous and senseless crimes.”
Vucich also said the actions of Gori during the attack, and an unnamed woman interrupting the attack, likely saved the lives of the two children. Vucich, who knew Gori personally, said, “I think Randy was a hero in this case.”
While investigators believe the attack was premeditated, the connection between Banowetz and Gori is still unknown, and there’s been no statement about motive for the attack. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone, and that Banowetz lived a “transient” lifestyle.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).