Madison County Circuit Judge Kyle Napp ruled on several motions to introduce internet search history evidence at suspect Timothy Banowetz’s trial for allegedly killing asbestos attorney Randy Gori.
In a Sept. 9 order, Napp granted the prosecutor’s motion to introduce Banowetz’s internet search history pertaining to Gori and addresses related to him. There were no objections. She also granted a motion to introduce Banowetz’s search history relating to the Herschend family over objection.
According to the motion, Banowetz allegedly used his computer to research Bradley Herschend, “whose family business owns amusement parks across the country and has been featured on a popular television called Undercover Boss.”
Herschend is a program coordinator for Silver Dollar City Foundation, according to his LinkedIn page.
Napp reserved the motion to introduce Banowetz’s internet search history relating to searches on serial killers prior to Gori’s murder.
Napp also wrote that introducing autopsy photos as evidence will be decided individually. The photos will be marked and sealed in an envelope within the court file.
The notice to introduce the evidence was filed July 28 by Assistant State’s Attorney Jacob Harlow and states that Banotwetz’s search history provides “motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident.”
“In this case, admission of this evidence is critical because it contains facts necessary for the jury to understand the circumstances surrounding Randy Gori’s death and to likewise show the defendant’s state of mind when he robbed and killed Randy Gori on January 4, 2020.
“More specifically, the defendant’s Internet research … is evidence of the defendant’s financial motive and it paints a clearer picture for the jury of the defendant’s overarching preparation and plan in the absence of the defendant having a personal connection to Randy Gori,” Harlow wrote.
The motion states that Gori and Banowetz were “not personally acquainted,” but Banowetz allegedly used his computer to research Gori in the months leading up to the planned armed robbery and murder.
“Randy Gori was also well known in the community for being a wealthy attorney and businessman and he was active on social media,” Harlow wrote.
Napp also filed an order on Sept. 14 noting that there have been several requests for extended media coverage. Public Defender Mary Copeland filed an objection to the media coverage requests on Sept. 17. A hearing is scheduled on the issue for Sept. 22.
A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24 with the trial set to begin Oct. 4.
Gori was found dead in his rural Edwardsville home located at 4586 Mooney Creek Rd. late in the evening on Jan. 4, 2020, having been stabbed and cut. Banowetz is accused of ordering Gori and two minors to the ground and binding their hands. During the event, the suspect allegedly took cell phones from the minors and money from Gori.
During a press conference following the murder, David Vucich, who is a captain with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and commander of the Major Case Squad activated in this case, said Banowetz had been in the home for an “extended” period of time and was not injured.
Vucich said Banowetz was found by Major Case Squad officers in a wooded area about 1,200 feet from the home.
The 2020 Rolls Royce SUV Cullinan that Banowetz allegedly stole after the crime was found on an unpaved roadway off Zika Lane.
Banowetz is charged with three counts of first degree murder and three counts of armed robbery.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 20-CF-53