Janet Tillman, born Janet Harper on January 18, 1965, in the United States, was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, by her devout parents, Charles and Dorothy Harper. Growing up alongside her two sisters, Judy and Joan, and her brother, Charles, Janet’s childhood was steeped in faith and community. Her father, a dedicated pastor, instilled in his children a profound sense of service and compassion, values that shaped Janet’s character and future.
In the early 1980s, Janet crossed paths with Timothy “Tim” Tillman, a man with a complex family history. Tim, born in 1964, was raised by his mother, Magdalene, and stepfather, David, along with his siblings. Details about his biological father were scarce, but family records hint at a connection to a man named Dwight. Despite their differing backgrounds, Janet and Tim fell in love and married in December 1983, beginning their life together in Jacksonville.
Building a Family and a Ministry
The couple settled into married life and soon welcomed two daughters, Jessica in 1986 and Tiffany Nicole in 1991. As Tim pursued his career as a pastor, Janet Tillman embraced her role as a supportive wife, becoming deeply involved in church activities. Outwardly, they appeared to be a model family, devoted to their faith and community.
However, their life was far from perfect. Tim wrestled with personal challenges, including behaviors that clashed with his pastoral role, such as visiting strip clubs and engaging with sex workers. Despite being aware of his indiscretions, Janet Tillman remained committed to her husband, hoping he would change and fulfill his responsibilities as a leader and father.
Tim’s actions eventually led to his dismissal from his Jacksonville ministry in 1995. The family relocated to Minnesota, where Tim found a new pastoral position. Unfortunately, history repeated itself when Tim’s affair with a congregant came to light, resulting in another dismissal. This time, the family chose to stay in Minnesota, with Tim seeking work outside the church.
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A Move to Vincent, Alabama
By the early 2000s, the Tillmans moved to Vincent, Alabama, a small town in the Appalachian foothills. With a population of just 2,000, Vincent offered a fresh start. Tim became a guest pastor at the local church, impressing the congregation with his charisma and biblical knowledge. However, he never completed the required background checks to formalize his role.
Meanwhile, Janet Tillman thrived in the community, becoming a beloved figure known for her kindness and active participation in local events, such as supporting the Vincent High School band.
In October 2005, Tim organized a charity event to support Hurricane Katrina victims. The event, held on October 26, featured various activities, including a turkey-shooting competition that attracted locals eager to help. The day unfolded smoothly, showcasing the community’s spirit of generosity and camaraderie.
A Tragic Turn of Events
As the charity event concluded, a malfunctioning rifle caught Tim’s attention. Insisting on handling it himself, he collected the firearms and carried them back to the parsonage, with Janet Tillman assisting. Once home, Tim planned to store the rifles safely under their bed.
As they entered their bedroom, Janet Tillman stepped in first, followed by Tim carrying the weapons. In a tragic accident, one of the rifles slipped from Tim’s grasp, hit the door frame, and discharged. The bullet struck Janet in the back, and she collapsed onto the bed.
The deafening sound of a gunshot reverberated through the Tillman home, sending Jessica and Tiffany Nicole racing toward their parents’ bedroom. What they saw left them horrified: their mother, Janet Tillman, lay motionless on the bed, a severe wound in her back. Tim, in a panic, urged his daughters to call for help. They immediately dialed 911, but despite their swift actions, it was too late. Janet Tillman, just 40 years old, succumbed to her injury before first responders could save her.
Witnesses at the scene described contrasting reactions from Tim. While some recounted his anguished cries and visible grief, others noted his calm and composed demeanor as he provided an account of what happened. Police, recognizing the gravity of the situation, escorted Tim to the station to document his version of the incident.
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Tim’s Statement to Police
At the station, Tim appeared distraught as he recounted the events leading up to Janet’s death. He detailed how the charity fundraiser had ended due to a malfunctioning rifle, which he later brought home to store safely. According to Tim, one of the rifles accidentally discharged as he carried it into their bedroom.
While his emotional state seemed genuine to some, Detective Scott Bartell of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation later described Tim’s behavior as overly rehearsed and insincere. Tim’s frequent glances at the clock during the interview stood out as particularly unusual for a grieving husband.
In the days following the tragedy, Tim faced the difficult task of informing Janet’s family. Her relatives traveled to Vincent, Alabama, for the funeral, heartbroken by the sudden loss. A memorial service was held on November 1 at the local church, where Janet Tillman was remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife, and cherished community member.
Despite the service’s somber tone, some of Janet’s family members harbored doubts about Tim. One of her sisters described his avoidance of eye contact and lack of apology as unsettling. After the service, Janet Tillman was laid to rest in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Gardens of Memory cemetery.
A Discovery That Changed Everything
As part of routine protocol, Vincent police conducted background checks on Tim Tillman, the sole witness to Janet’s death. What initially seemed straightforward took a shocking turn when officers discovered that Tim held two driver’s licenses under different names. One identified him as Timothy Tillman, while the other listed him as Timothy Patrick McNally, both bearing the same photograph.
The second license, issued only months before Janet’s death, was abruptly switched back to his real name just weeks prior to the tragedy. This revelation, coupled with Janet’s family’s suspicions, prompted one of her sisters to write to the district attorney, urging a deeper investigation.
Detective Bartell Digs Deeper
Detective Scott Bartell, a seasoned investigator, took over the case. He quickly uncovered troubling details about Tim’s past. Tim’s life was marked by a series of moral failings and misconduct. His history included infidelity, frequenting strip clubs, and hiring sex workers. According to Janet’s sister, Joan, these indiscretions caused significant tension in the Tillmans’ marriage, although Janet Tillman often tried to forgive and move forward.
Tim’s career had also been marred by scandal. Years earlier, he was dismissed from a Florida ministry after being spotted leaving an adult nightclub. His next pastoral role in Minnesota ended when he had an affair with a congregant. Afterward, Tim briefly worked at a prison, but even there, his behavior led to trouble.
Investigators uncovered an incident during Tim’s prison job that further tarnished his record. He had offered a ride home to a recently released sex worker, only to take her to an isolated location and coerce her into a sexual act. When the woman reported the assault, Tim was convicted and served six months in prison.
A Complex Web of Questions
The mounting revelations painted a troubling picture of Tim Tillman’s life. What had initially appeared to be a tragic accident now raised serious questions. As Detective Bartell continued his investigation, the community of Vincent grappled with the duality of the man they thought they knew. For Janet’s family, the search for answers became a mission to uncover the truth behind her untimely death.
After enduring years of betrayal and disappointment, Janet Tillman made the difficult decision to leave her marriage. With her two daughters, she relocated to southern Alabama to be near her sister, Joan. Determined to build a stable life, Janet found work and began to rebuild. For a brief period, peace seemed within reach.
This stability was shattered when Tim was released early from prison. He pleaded with Janet Tillman for forgiveness, promising once again to change. Despite her family’s concerns and repeated warnings, Janet’s deep faith compelled her to give him another chance.
A Return to Family and Ministry
Tim’s return was met with warmth from his daughters, who were unaware of the strain in their parents’ relationship. With his trademark charm, Tim quickly reestablished himself as a dedicated husband and father. He also re-entered ministry, gaining favor in the local church with his impassioned sermons. By January 2003, Tim had been appointed pastor of the Vincent local church, despite failing to complete a required background check—a lapse that now seemed deliberate.
Had the church known about Tim’s criminal record, including his prison sentence, his appointment would have been impossible. Yet, his position allowed him to rebuild his reputation, even as investigators began to uncover discrepancies in his life.
After Janet’s sudden passing, the community struggled to comprehend the tragedy. Tim’s actions in the weeks that followed raised concerns. Less than a month after her death, he asked neighbors to care for his daughters while he attended a pastor’s retreat in Washington, D.C. This unusual request puzzled both neighbors and detectives, as such retreats were typically held locally.
Tim’s trip seemed suspicious, and law enforcement began covertly investigating his activities. Upon returning home, Tim’s behavior continued to draw scrutiny. One evening, Jessica, his eldest daughter, discovered him video chatting with a woman she didn’t recognize. When Jessica confronted her father, his nervous reaction and evasive answers heightened her suspicions.
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Uncovering Molly’s Connection
Jessica confided in her neighbors, who, in turn, confronted Tim. He admitted to communicating with a woman named Molly, with whom he claimed to have romantic feelings. The neighbors were shocked, deeming his behavior inappropriate so soon after Janet Tillman’s death. The revelation eventually reached Joan, Janet’s sister, who shared her concerns with the lead investigator.
Detectives uncovered phone records showing frequent calls between Tim and Molly, including several during his retreat in Washington. This discovery deepened suspicions about Tim’s motives and the true nature of his trip.
The investigation took a pivotal turn when Joan was notified about a $5,000 loan taken out in Janet Tillman’s name two months after her death. Detectives confirmed that Janet’s signature on the loan documents had been forged. Further examination of the Tillman family’s finances revealed that Tim had been siphoning funds to pay for trips and accommodations with Molly, leaving the family in financial disarray.
This financial strain had been a recurring source of conflict between Tim and Janet Tillman before her death, adding a potential motive for the tragedy.
As investigators delved deeper, forensic analysis of Janet Tillman’s death revealed discrepancies in Tim’s account. The bullet trajectory and the position of the rifle did not align with his claim of an accidental discharge. This evidence, combined with Tim’s suspicious financial activities and inconsistent behavior, painted a troubling picture.
A Tipping Point for Justice
By early 2006, Tim announced his resignation from the church, citing a desire to move to Florida to be closer to Janet Tillman’s family. However, his decision only fueled suspicions among investigators. As they pieced together the timeline of events, the pattern of deception and misconduct became undeniable.
With mounting evidence, including the forged loan, financial improprieties, and forensic inconsistencies, law enforcement prepared to formally interrogate Tim. What began as a tragic accident was now being viewed as something far more sinister, with Janet Tillman’s family and the community determined to uncover the truth.
In November 2006, Detective Scott Bartell traveled to Florida to confront Tim Tillman about his mounting web of lies. During the interrogation, Tim offered several implausible explanations for his actions. He claimed that the $5,000 loan taken in Janet’s name after her death was necessary to cover funeral expenses and household costs. When questioned about his altered driver’s license, Tim spun a bizarre tale, alleging that he had changed his name out of anger upon discovering one of his brothers had an affair with Janet Tillman. He claimed they reconciled before her death, leading him to revert to his original name.
As Bartell pressed further, Tim’s composure crumbled. Meanwhile, investigators sought out Molly, the woman Tim had been secretly communicating with, to learn more about her connection to him.
Molly’s Revelations
Molly provided investigators with startling details. She revealed that she had known Tim for nearly a decade, believing he was a widowed Navy officer. According to her, Tim claimed Janet Tillman had died in a freak accident involving dislodged rifles in their attic. Molly even had photos of Tim in a naval uniform, which she assumed were authentic.
Molly further disclosed that she and Tim had been engaged—shockingly, two months before Janet Tillman’s death. Feeling betrayed, Molly handed over all the emails, letters, and messages she had received from Tim. Investigators discovered that the Navy uniform Tim wore in photos had been purchased at a thrift store, and the identity of a high-ranking naval officer was another fabrication.
Arrested for Forgery
Armed with Molly’s evidence, authorities confronted Tim with these findings. He was arrested for forgery, as the altered driver’s license and loan provided clear grounds for prosecution. While in custody, Tim continued to manipulate Molly, feeding her elaborate lies about his arrest being part of a covert government mission.
Six months later, after serving time for forgery, Tim posted bail. He wasted no time in marrying Molly, and the couple relocated to Florida.
Despite Tim’s attempts to move on, law enforcement intensified their investigation. The forged loan, financial struggles, and Janet Tillman’s life insurance policy painted a clear motive. Forensic evidence further undermined Tim’s claim of an accidental shooting. Experts testified that the trajectory of the bullet suggested deliberate aim, while blood spatter analysis reinforced the idea of intent.
In addition, a local witness from the fundraiser confirmed that the rifles were unloaded before Tim took them home, casting doubt on his story. Detectives also uncovered a troubling pattern of financial misuse, including funds spent on trips and accommodations with Molly, which had been a source of tension in his marriage.
The Trial and Verdict
In October 2009, Tim Tillman was arrested in Florida and extradited to Alabama to face charges for Janet’s murder and forgery. His trial began later that month, with the prosecution presenting a case built on circumstantial evidence and forensic findings. They argued that Tim’s financial struggles, affair with Molly, and desire to collect Janet Tillman’s life insurance policy provided a clear motive.
The defense maintained that Janet Tillman’s death was a tragic accident, but the jury was unconvinced. Tim was found guilty of both charges—murder and possession of a forged financial instrument. He received a life sentence for the murder and an additional 10 years for forgery.
In 2011, Tim’s legal team appealed the verdict, arguing that combining the forgery charge with the murder trial had unfairly influenced the jury. The Alabama Court of Appeals agreed, granting a retrial. In 2012, Tim faced trial again and was once more convicted of murder. The court sentenced him to life in prison, and further appeals were denied.
As of November 2024, Tim Tillman, now 60 years old, remains incarcerated. His actions left a trail of heartbreak and betrayal. Janet Tillman’s daughters lost both parents—one to death and the other to prison—while her family and community continue to mourn the loss of a compassionate woman.
Tim’s story, once that of a respected pastor, stands as a chilling reminder of how deceit and greed can shatter lives, leaving behind lasting scars for those who trusted him most.
