Former Dyer County deputies testify in Swift murder trial
DRESDEN, Tenn. — The trial of David Swift entered its second day Wednesday in Weakley County, about 50 miles from where Karen Swift’s body was found in 2011.
Testimony so far Wednesday has centered on the discovery of Karen’s SUV, what investigation was done on the vehicle, and her husband’s demeanor and appearance.
David Swift was indicted on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder in August 2022 in the death of his wife, Karen Swift, a 44-year-old mother of four. He has previously pleaded not guilty.
The opening arguments for the highly-anticipated trial began Tuesday.
Trial begins for David Swift, accused in wife’s 2011 death
Two witnesses on Wednesday, both former Dyer County sheriff’s deputies, were questioned about whether there was any sign of a struggle in the SUV. Both said none was apparent.
When deputies went to David Swift’s home after the vehicle discovery to ask more questions, witnesses said Swift appeared to cooperate and allowed deputies to look through the Swifts’ home.
David Swift, who was on crutches during one of two interviews with investigators in early November 2011 said he was at his daughter’s soccer game when he had to be taken by ambulance to have surgery the next morning.
Swift’s attorney claimed his client’s condition physically prevented him from killing his ex-wife Karen.
Swift re-iterated to investigators that he’d never hurt his wife even if that wasn’t the case.
“She’s done a lot of things to provoke me, but I’ve never laid a hand on her. I’ve never hurt her,” Swift told investigators during a 2011 interview. “She’s poked me in the chest, she broke a plate over my back when I caught her in her affair.”
Retired Deputy Heith Walker, however, noted that when he asked David about Karen, he seemed evasive and did not look the deputy in the eyes.
Swift admitted he was suspicious of Karen’s friends. He even accused them of inappropriate behavior that influenced her.
Contradictions came when Swift was asked to identify the clothing Karen was wearing when she came home unexpectedly during the early morning hours of October 30.
“She had jeans on. I could tell. Light-colored jeans and a gray coat,” Swift said.
Retired Dyer County Deputy, Heith Walker, says he got a different response from Swift.
“I specifically asked him that and he said he did not see her but heard her when she came in and they talked,” said Walker.
Smith also said that even though Karen filed for divorce shortly before she went missing, he just wanted her to be home and safe.
“We’re all hurting. I still love her,” Swift said in an interview with investigators.
David Swift’s attorney hammered at the fact that there’s no forensic evidence found connecting the defendant to the murder, and at one point suggested David Swift’s arrest was politically motivated. Swift has pleaded not guilty.
Court will resume Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. with WREG continuing with coverage.
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