Charges have been filed in Saturday night’s murder of attorney Randy Gori.
Timothy Michael Banowetz, 28, a transient with a last known address in Wentzville, Missouri, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, and robbery and theft charges. Banowetz was found hiding in the woods near the victim’s Edwardsville home on Mooney Creek Road after he fled the scene in a Rolls Royce SUV. Investigators say the murder was premeditated.
Police responded to a 911 call from the residence. Upon arrival, they discovered Gori’s body with stab wounds. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office subsequently activated the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis investigation and was able to locate and detain the suspect.
Gori, a managing partner at The Gori Law Firm, was also a well-known businessman, philanthropist and car collector.
The law firm released a statement on Sunday: “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we communicate the passing of our managing partner and co-founder, Randy Gori. Randy was a true leader, a wonderful attorney and friend and a champion of our community. He gave so much to everyone he knew, both personally and professionally. We will continue the legacy that Randy created and ask the community to join with us in supporting his family during this difficult time”.