Trial begins next week in the 2011 murder of Karen Swift

May 21, 2024

Kyle Peppers,

FURTHER COVERAGE:

DRESDEN, Tenn. — A trial regarding the murder of a West Tennessee woman nearly 13 years ago will begin next week.

Karen Swift

The trial in the State of Tennessee v. David Swift is expected to start Wednesday, May 29 in Weakley County.

David Swift is charged with premeditated first degree murder in the 2011 killing of his wife, Karen Swift. The Swifts were residents of Dyer County.

David Swift / Dyer County Sheriff’s Office

Karen was reported missing on October 30, 2011 — approximately three weeks after she had filed for divorce from David. Her body was later discovered in December that year by hunters near a cemetery in Dyersburg.

David Swift was arrested and indicted for the murder in August 2022 — more than a decade later — and has pled not guilty.

Due to a change of venue request, the trial has been moved to Weakley County, and will take place at the courthouse located at 116 West Main Street in Dresden in the circuit courtroom.

Jury selection will begin on Tuesday, May 28, and the trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.

If convicted, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office says David faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.