Swift Found Not Guilty, Mistrial on Manslaughter Charge

David Swift

David Swift, who was indicted Aug. 2023 on charges of the premediated murder of his ex-wife Karen Swift, was found not guilty on Thursday, June 6 on charges of First-Degree Murder, Attempted First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder and Attempted Second-Degree Murder after the jury deliberated for two days in Weakley County court.

Swift was allegedly the last person to see Karen alive when she returned home from a Halloween party on Oct. 30, 2011. Prosecutors cited that Swift was the only person with any motive, however Swift’s defense remained firm that the State had no evidence to prove that claim.

A new trial could still be a possibility after the jury ended up deadlocked (not able to agree) on the voluntary manslaughter charge. The jury told Judge Mark Hayes that deliberating further would be of no use and Hayes released the jury that afternoon. Hayes then declared a mistrial on the voluntary manslaughter charge.

The trial, which was primarily based off of circumstantial evidence, could be retried, however DA Danny Goodman stated that the decision to do so had not yet been determined.

A decision will be made regarding a retrial and bond reinstatement on July 2 at 9 a.m. in Weakley County Court. Swift remains in jail at this time.

Swift also faces charges in Jefferson County Alabama regarding his second wife, now divorced, for stalking.