In statement, family of man accused of killing Randy Gori says they, too, are seeking answers

Banowetz Banowetz Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close In statement, family of man accused of killing Randy Gori says they, too, are seeking answers 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

ST. LOUIS — The family of the St. Louis-area man accused of killing prominent Edwardsville attorney Randy Gori released a public statement Friday offering their “heartfelt prayers” and are “seeking answers as well.”

Timothy Banowetz, 28, of Wentzville, is charged with murder, armed robbery and unlawful restraint in the stabbing death of Gori inside the well-known attorney’s Edwardsville home Saturday. Two children at the residence were restrained, but not hurt. Police arrested Banowetz Sunday morning less than 1,200 feet from the home.

The Banowetz family says Timothy Banowetz had been estranged from the family and they were “shocked” to hear his arrest in the murder.

Police said during a news conference Monday that they had not been able to find any connection between Banowetz, who they say lived a transient lifestyle, and Gori. However, investigators say the murder was planned.

Officials have given very few details into the incident.

“We’re not going to comment on the motive, or any evidence at all,” Madison County Sheriff’s Office Capt. David Vucich said Monday.

Banowetz was reportedly a student of St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Online court records show that he was evicted from an apartment on Washington Avenue in early December, owing the property owner $3,718.

The statement issued by the Banowetz family was first released to KMOV News 4 through the Rosenblum, Schwartz and Fry law firm. It reads in full:

“Our heartfelt prayers go out to Randy Gori, his family, and the community impacted by this harm and destruction. It’s unimaginable the pain that must be felt. Our family is grieving and seeking answers as well. Timothy has been estranged from the family and we are shocked to have discovered him in this way. We are praying that love is shown to those hurting and that wisdom is given to those seeking the truth. We additionally pray that our privacy is respected at this time.”

Rosenblum, Schwartz and Fry does not represent Timothy Banowetz, who was assigned a public defender during an initial appearance on Wednesday. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Jan. 24. He is being held in the Madison County Jail without bond.