Karen Swift -- Found Deceased 12/10/11

The Karen Swift case is a case we covered at The Hinky Meter as it unfolded in October, 2011.

I want to get this thread up and I don't have time to go back to October and post articles in a chronological order as the case unfolded. I hope to post older articles within the next few days. If any of you would like to go back and find older articles, it would be a big help in getting this thread up to speed.

Brief info:

Karen Swift, 44, a mother of four, went missing on Sunday, October 30, 2011 in Dyersburg, Dyer County, TN. Her SUV was found a short distance from her home.

Although Karen filed for a divorce, she and her husband were living together with their children.

After nearly 6 weeks her body was found approximately 2 miles from her home. Her body was found on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

No one was named a person of interest or a suspect. Dyer County Sheriff's Office have kept the investigation "close to the vest" with very little information disclosed.

Based on the most recent article, it appears there may be some development in this case soon.

The husband of murdered Karen Swift has hired a high profile attorney the same day investigators reveal they are closer to an arrest.
_________


Karen Swift Reported Missing in Dyer County

Updated: Tuesday, 01 Nov 2011, 6:35 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 01 Nov 2011, 5:23 PM CDT

By: Scott Madaus
FOX - Memphis, TN

Karen Swift Reported Missing in Dyer County: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

DYERSBURG, Tenn. - A Dyer County woman missing since Sunday has authorities searching for clues.

Read more:

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/tennessee/karen-swift-reported-missing-in-dyer-county-rpt-20111101

Missing Tennessee Mom Karen Swift's Body Found





By CHRISTINA NG

Dec. 13, 2011

ABC News - Good Morning America

A missing person investigation became a murder investigation when authorities confirmed that a body discovered near a Tennessee highway was that of Karen Johnson Swift, the mother of four who disappeared on Oct. 30.

"She had been there some time," Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box told ABC News' Western Tennessee affiliate WBBJ-TV. "The body had been concealed by vegetation."

Swift's body was in an area covered in vines and that there were no indications that she was killed in a different location, according to the sheriff. The place where the body was recovered is about three miles from where Swift's abandoned car, a white 2004 Nissan Murano, was found with a flat tire.

Box said items recovered from her car could be key to the investigation, but would not elaborate on what the items were.

Swift, 44, was last seen by her husband at her home in Dyersburg at approximately 1:30 a.m. and her care was only about a mile away from her home. Dyersburg is about 75 miles northeast of Memphis.

Read more:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-tennessee-mom-karen-swifts-body-found/story?id=15144724



Dyer County Sheriff's Office
Karen Johnson Swift, 44, was last seen at her home in Dyersburg, Tenn. on Oct. 30, 2011.

Attorney Steve Farese talks about Karen Swift murder case




Posted: May 15, 2012 9:04 PM CDT
Updated: May 15, 2012 10:39 PM CDT

By Janice Broach

MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) – The husband of murdered Mid-South mother Karen Swift has hired a high profile attorney the same day investigators reveal they are closer to an arrest. The investigation into the murder of Karen Swift has not resulted in any arrests. But her husband's attorney said there could be more than one suspect.

"I don't want to speak badly about Karen," said attorney Steve Farese. "But were some things going on that were quite unusual."

Read more:

http://www.wmctv.com/story/18430806/attorney-steve-f

Ann - Tx wrote:

Attorney Steve Farese talks about Karen Swift murder case




Posted: May 15, 2012 9:04 PM CDT
Updated: May 15, 2012 10:39 PM CDT

By Janice Broach

MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) – The husband of murdered Mid-South mother Karen Swift has hired a high profile attorney the same day investigators reveal they are closer to an arrest. The investigation into the murder of Karen Swift has not resulted in any arrests. But her husband's attorney said there could be more than one suspect.

"I don't want to speak badly about Karen," said attorney Steve Farese. "But were some things going on that were quite unusual."

Read more:

http://www.wmctv.com/story/18430806/attorney-steve-f

Snipped from above article:

"The 44-year-old mother of four was divorcing her husband David, but they lived in the same house. She disappeared after she returned home from a Halloween party. She had picked one of her daughters up on the way home. Her husband said he spoke briefly to her before he went to bed. Her car was found a few days later on the side of the road not far from the couple's home. More than a month later her body was discovered in wooded area a mile or so from the house. "

It would seem on the surface of this that the husband is very suspicious. But, this woman could have brought the child back home and then left the house to meet with someone and then met her terrible fate. It will be very interesting to follow this case as, hopefully, more facts come out rather than just a cryptic statement from a lawyer.

Mimi, I can hardly wait until Sheriff Box starts releasing some info on this case.

I wonder why David, Karen's husband, hired an attorney. Hhmm

Should be interesting.

Sheriff confident Swift murderer will be brought to justice

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Dyersburg State Gazette
Dyersburg, TN



Karen Swift

Although no charges have been made in the five-month-long murder investigation of Karen Swift, Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box says he is certain he and his team of investigators will undoubtedly make an arrest.

"We are confident we will bring the person, or persons responsible, to justice," said Box. "The investigation is still active and ongoing."

Read more:

http://www.stategazette.com/story/1849038.html

Investigators say they are close to arrests in Karen Swift case





By Trevor Wilson
WPSD - Paducah, KY

Story Created: May 17, 2012 at 6:58 AM CDT
(Story Updated: May 17, 2012 at 7:02 AM CDT )


DYER COUNTY, Tn.----Arrests could be coming soon in the case of a murdered Tennessee mother Karen Swift.

Read more:

http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Investigators-say-they-are-close-to-arrests-in-Karen-Swift-case-151854915.html

TN sheriff 'confident' of arrest in woman's slaying

Posted: May 20, 2012 9:38 AM CDT
Updated: May 20, 2012 9:40 AM CDT

WSMV - Nashville, TN


DYERSBURG, Tenn. (AP) - A West Tennessee sheriff says he is "confident" that an arrest will be made in a slaying investigation that has gone on for months.

Read more:

http://www.wsmv.com/story/18565451/sheriff-confident-of-arrest-in-slaying

Ann - Tx wrote:

TN sheriff 'confident' of arrest in woman's slaying

Posted: May 20, 2012 9:38 AM CDT
Updated: May 20, 2012 9:40 AM CDT

WSMV - Nashville, TN


DYERSBURG, Tenn. (AP) - A West Tennessee sheriff says he is "confident" that an arrest will be made in a slaying investigation that has gone on for months.

Read more:

http://www.wsmv.com/story/18565451/sheriff-confident-of-arrest-in-slaying

Thank you, Ann.

I have been patiently waiting for an arrest to be made in this case, I hope it happens soon.

Dyer Co. Sheriff Confident Karen Swift's Killer Will be Found




Reported by: Joy Lambert
ABC24 - Memphis, TN

Published: 5/22 5:15 pm
Updated: 5/22 5:41 pm

DYERSBURG, TN (abc24.com) - For eight months, Dyer County Sheriff's deputies have hunted for a killer. They promise not to give up until someone is behind bars for the murder of Karen Swift.

Swift's picturesque home and neighborhood are quiet. There's no reminder of the chaos eight months ago.

Read more:

http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story/Dyer-Co-Sheriff-Confident-Karen-Swifts-Killer/ZiZT2PSbFE-1-HGlpDpxUQ.cspx?rss=59



Karen Johnson Swift

DC sheriff ‘confident’ of arrest in slaying

Posted: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 9:03 pm
NWTN Today - Union City, TN

DYERSBURG (AP) — A West Tennessee sheriff says he is “confident” that an arrest will be made in a slaying investigation that has gone on for months.

Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box told the State Gazette (http://bit.ly/KsmkLC) last week that the investigation into the slaying of Karen Swift is still “active and ongoing.”

Read more:

http://www.nwtntoday.com/news.php?viewStory=70765

It is in the interest of the husband and his atty to blame the victim and throw suspicion upon her. After all, he IS the person of high interest.

Shame on him.

Sheriff: Person of interest in Swift case

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Dyersburg State Gazette
Dyersburg, TN


Evidence being prepared for murder trial

Although there has been no arrest in the Karen Swift murder investigation, Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box stated he and his investigators have a person of interest and the evidence they have collected is being prepared for a murder trial. He pointed out his department is being assisted by state and federal agencies and they are working diligently to bring Swift's murderer to justice.

"Our investigators have done a very good job in compiling the evidence and we will use all of the results of the investigation and evidence from these agencies, in unison, to see that an arrest and conviction is obtained," said Box.

Read more:

http://www.stategazette.com/story/1889980.html

Swift Murder Investigation

Official Press Release

Dyer County Sheriff's Office
Jeff Box, Sheriff


Swift Murder Investigation
Update 09/02/2012

Karen Swift, a 44-year-old mother of four was reportedly last seen early Sunday morning, Oct. 30 at her home. Her white 2004 Nissan Murano was later found abandoned that day on Millsfield Highway near the intersection of Harness Road with a flat tire. Our agency began an intense multi-agency search until her body was recovered on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, near Bledsoe Cemetery in Dyer County. At that time this missing person case turn into a murder investigation, after investigators observed injuries the body substained that appeared to have caused her death. An autopsy was performed on Karen Swift's body by the Shelby County Medical Examiner's Office in Memphis , the results of the autopsy was sealed under a court order due to the case for certain reasons and that the case is still under investigation. The investigation is still very active with many agencies involved in the preparation of the evidence for a murder trial.

Read more:

http://www.dyercountysheriff.com/press-releases/39-swift-murder-investigation-update-09-02-2012.html
Dyer County Sheriff's Office - Dyersburg, TN

Ann, thanks for the updates. It is so good to see you back again. Hope you are feeling much better and just know you have been in my thoughts and prayers, and I have missed playing the games with you at night.

Thank you for the update Ann! I am glad LE at least released a more detailed explanation.

http://www.wmctv.com/story/19981778/karen-swift-murder-investigation-nearing-completion
WMC-TV Memphis, TN Posted: Nov 01, 2012 9:50 PM CDT Updated: Nov 02, 2012 5:52 AM CDT

Karen Swift murder investigation nearing completion

Sheriff Says Karen Swift Investigation In Final Stages

Posted: Nov 05, 2012 7:28 AM CST
Updated: Nov 05, 2012 7:29 AM CST

DYERSBURG, Tenn. (AP) - A West Tennessee sheriff said a yearlong slaying investigation is nearing an end and his office is pushing for an arrest or indictment in the case.

Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box told the State Gazette that the investigation into the slaying of Karen Swift is in its "final stages." He said investigators will travel this week to Nashville to pick up forensic evidence in the case.

Box said there is one person of interest in the case "and we are pushing hard for an indictment or an arrest."

http://www.newschannel5.com/story/20002631/sheriff-says-karen-swift-investigation-in-final-stages

I think of Karen Swift often.

Based on comments by Sheriff Box in 2012, I thought by now at least a person of interest would be named or better yet an arrest would be made regarding the murder of Karen.

I've researched several TV stations in TN, Googled, Yahoo and Bing. Nothing!

Maybe one of these days . . .

Ann - Tx wrote:
I think of Karen Swift often.

Based on comments by Sheriff Box in 2012, I thought by now at least a person of interest would be named or better yet an arrest would be made regarding the murder of Karen.

I've researched several TV stations in TN, Googled, Yahoo and Bing. Nothing!

Maybe one of these days . . .

I'd like to see this one done myself. Remember there was the neighbor guy accused of poisoning dogs - I remember all the speculation that Mr. Swifty Pants might have done all that to set up the neighbor in an already contentious relationship.

Karen Swift's husband David Swift denies role in death

5:45 AM, Oct 21, 2013

KTHV - Little Rock, AR





JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - The estranged husband of an Arkansas woman found dead in Tennessee denies any role in her death - nearly two years after her body was found.

Read more:

http://www.thv11.com/news/article/284271/2/Husband-of-Ark-native-denies-role-in-her-death

I have been thinking of Karen Swift.  Still no arrest in her murder.

I wonder if there ever will be an arrest.  I've searched for updates . . . nothing. Someone is a murderer and is walking free at this time.

Per the article posted by Ales up-thread, I got the impression an arrest would be made.  Over a year since the article was posted and still no suspect named and no arrest.

Re: Karen Swift -- Found Deceased 12/10/11
Post by Alessandra_Deux on Sun Nov 11, 2012 12:43 am

.
Sheriff Says Karen Swift Investigation In Final Stages

Posted: Nov 05, 2012 7:28 AM CST
Updated: Nov 05, 2012 7:29 AM CST

An older article dated July 5, 2013  . . .


Swift home searched by sheriff's office and TBI

Friday, July 5, 2013

Dyersburg State Gazette
Dyersburg, TN



Dyer County Sheriff's Office investigators and deputies and a TBI
agent execute a search warrant at the residence of David Swift,
on Willie Johnson Road in Dyer County, on Wednesday evening.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said no arrest was made and both
the contents and the results of the search warrant are sealed
under a court order.


A search warrant was served Wednesday evening at the house of David Swift, husband of murdered mother of four Karen Swift.

Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box stated that a search warrant was served at the Swift residence on Willie Johnson Road in Dyer County at 6:18 p.m. on Wednesday.

Box stated Dyer County Sheriff's deputies and investigators, and a TBI agent went to the residence and served David Swift with the search warrant. Box said Swift left the residence while officers searched the house for over two hours. Box and the officers ended the search and left the house around 9 p.m.

Read more:

http://www.stategazette.com/story/1983374.html

Hinky's Mimi wrote:

Ann - Tx wrote:

Attorney Steve Farese talks about Karen Swift murder case




Posted: May 15, 2012 9:04 PM CDT
Updated: May 15, 2012 10:39 PM CDT

By Janice Broach

MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) – The husband of murdered Mid-South mother Karen Swift has hired a high profile attorney the same day investigators reveal they are closer to an arrest. The investigation into the murder of Karen Swift has not resulted in any arrests. But her husband's attorney said there could be more than one suspect.

"I don't want to speak badly about Karen," said attorney Steve Farese. "But were some things going on that were quite unusual."

Read more:

http://www.wmctv.com/story/18430806/attorney-steve-f

Snipped from above article:

"The 44-year-old mother of four was divorcing her husband David, but they lived in the same house. She disappeared after she returned home from a Halloween party. She had picked one of her daughters up on the way home.  Her husband said he spoke briefly to her before he went to bed. Her car was found a few days later on the side of the road not far from the couple's home. More than a month later her body was discovered in wooded area a mile or so from the house. "

It would seem on the surface of this that the husband is very suspicious.  But, this woman could have brought the child back home and then left the house to meet with someone and then met her terrible fate.  It will be very interesting to follow this case as, hopefully, more facts come out rather than just a cryptic statement from a lawyer.

BBM Bit slow here but just had that BINGO! moment.
The car Karen reportedly was driving was found near the family home.
And it was found a few days later.
So. Are we to believe the husband never left home in those few days, never drove down the road and spotted the car? With a passel of children and none of them asked to go anywhere during those few days? No need for an extra loaf of bread or gallon of milk? No friends they children wanted to hang out with? (He would have said they did not and he would have found some excuse to avoid driving down the road where the kids might say, "Hey! That's Mommy's car!" )

COLD CASE SPOTLIGHT: Karen Johnson Swift

It's been more than three years since wife and mother Karen Johnson Swift vanished after returning home from a Halloween party in Dyersburg, Tennessee. Six weeks later, her body was found just two miles from her home.

"It still hurts every day to know that somebody took my baby, killed her, took her down to the kudzu and threw her out like a rag doll. Just breaks my heart," Carol Johnson, Karen's mother, told NBC affiliate WMCA in October. "I think if I could know who to be angry at, I think I could start to heal, but as it is, it's just an open wound every day."



Immediately following her disappearance, investigators searched her home and questioned her husband, David Swift, with whom Karen had filed divorce papers against three weeks prior.

David told investigators that he was the last person to see his wife the night she vanished, saying she had left a Halloween party early the night of October 29th, 2011 to pick up one of the couple's daughters from a sleepover because the child was not feeling well. David told authorities he briefly spoke to Karen sometime after midnight when she arrived home. The following morning, David reported Karen missing, according to local NBC affiliate WMCA.

Read more:

http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/cold-case-spotlight/cold-case-spotlight-karen-johnson-swift-n279446