Charges filed in the murder of prominent Edwardsville lawyer Randy Gori
Police have yet to make a connection between prominent Edwardsville lawyer Randy Gori and the man accused of murdering him.
Timothy Banowetz, 28, of Wentzville, Missouri, faces three counts of first-degree murder in the Saturday night death of Gori in Gori’s sprawling home in rural Edwardsville. Banowetz has also been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery, including theft of Gori’s 2020 Rolls-Royce SUV, and aggravated unlawful restraint.
According to the charging documents, Banowetz bound the hands of Gori and two minors in the home before using a knife to stab Gori, killing him. Banowetz stole cash and two cell phones from the victims before fleeing in the stolen car.
“In my 22 years in law enforcement, I have seen many gruesome crimes,” said Madison County Sheriff’s Department Capt. David Vucich, commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis during the investigation. “This one rises to the top in its level of heinousness.”
Since the other two victims are minors, their names and ages will not be released, Vucich said. He said, however, that investigators believe the crimes were premeditated, that Banowetz acted alone and that Gori’s last acts “likely saved the lives of others.” He could not elaborate on what Gori did to save the two minors, but called him a “hero.”
More than 25 investigators from the Major Case Squad followed up to 60 leads, Vucich said. He described Banowetz as a “transient and nomadic type” whose last-known address was in the 400 block of Bramblewood Drive in Wentzville. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Banowetz was a student at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy for the fall semester.
Investigators could not release any details regarding evidence, including how Banowetz entered the residence, how he got to Gori’s house or why police believe he attacked Gori, Vucich said.
“When we go to trial, you’ll know it all,” said Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons.
Gibbons confirmed that a woman arrived at the residence during the incident, but did not elaborate.
Authorities are still trying to establish a motive and have not established a connection between Gori and Banowetz.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Department responded to 4586 Mooney Creek Road in rural Edwardsville around 9 p.m. Saturday. According to a statement from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, Gori, 47, was found dead at the home, and a black 2020 Rolls-Royce SUV Cullinan was taken from the address.
Later Sunday, Vucich announced that police had in custody a “strong person of interest.” Vucich said during the Monday press conference that Banowetz was found by police officers in a wooded area about 1,200 feet from Gori’s residence about 12 hours after the murder. The Rolls-Royce also was discovered there.
Banowetz was being held without bond in the Madison County Jail on Monday evening. According to First Assistant State’s Attorney Crystal Uhe, the first-degree murder charges each carry a potential sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison, but could be extended to natural life in prison, depending on the circumstances.
Gori was the co-founder of The Gori Law Firm. According to its website, Gori practiced asbestos, benzene and personal injury litigation. He was also a member of numerous law associations and practiced in both Illinois and Missouri.
Beyond his law practice, Gori also owned, sold and rented many properties in the Edwardsville area. In 2017 he worked with the city to purchase its former city hall for more than $1 million, for which a new headquarters for his law firm was to be located along with a large amount of real estate.
Gori also was known for supporting the community. In addition to numerous charitable contributions and sponsorship of scholarship funds, he also gave $2.5 million for the development of a family ice complex in Edwardsville which is to be named in his honor.
This story was originally published January 6, 2020 at 5:26 PM.
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