Federal Jury Convicts Swain Co. Man of Second Degree Murder
A federal jury in Asheville has convicted Shane McKinley Swimmer, 21, of Cherokee, N.C., of second degree murder, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to trial evidence, on November 10, 2018, Swimmer attacked his uncle, Charles Ray "Chino" West, with a baseball bat at his uncle’s residence on Rocky Knob Trail in Swain County. The victim died as a result of his injuries, suffering at least nine blows to the head.
Following the attack, Swimmer went to another family member’s house nearby and announced that the victim was dead before calling 911. Officers with the Cherokee Indian Police Department arrested Swimmer shortly thereafter.
Swimmer remains in federal custody. The second degree murder charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked the FBI and the Cherokee Indian Police Department for their investigation of the case, saying it was a "strong partnership" that led to the conviction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pritchard and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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