Daughter Accused Of Beating, Stabbing Father To Death 2 Years Ago

CLEARWATER, FL — More than two years after 71-year-old Daniel Gillespie Jr. was found dead inside his Clearwater home, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has arrested one of his daughters.

The sheriff's office said Shannon Gillespie 45, is accused of beating and stabbing her father inside his home at 1506 Meadow Dale Drive on Nov. 15, 2018.

An autopsy determined Gillespie's death was a homicide by "blunt and sharp injuries."

Detectives arrested Shannon Gillespie Friday morning at her home in the 1100 block of Highland Street in St. Petersburg and charged her with one count of first-degree murder and battery. They said their investigation revealed that she hid in her father's home and waited for him to arrive. Then she beat and stabbed him.

During the arrest, Gillespie got into a fight with another woman at the scene who was also charged with battery. Gillespie was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.

Prior to his death, Gillespie filed a petition of protection against his daughter who had been living with him. In complaints filed in court, Gillespie said his daughter tried to hurt him, destroyed his property and stole more than $1,000 from him.