Trial Begins in Decade-Old Murder

DRESDEN — The trial in State of Tennessee v. David Swift, is expected to start Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in Dresden, Tennessee, before Judge Mark Hayes. The defendant in this case is David Swift.

David Swift is charged with the murder of his wife, Karen Swift, in 2011.

He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder following his indictment in August 2022, more than a decade later.

Karen Swift was reported missing on Oct. 30, 2011, three weeks after she had filed for divorce from Swift. Her body was discovered by hunters near a Dyersburg cemetery.

A change of venue request was granted moving the trial to Weakley County, about 50 miles northeast of Dyer County, where Karen Swift’s body was found.

Jury selection will begin Tuesday, May 28. Please note that no cameras, video recorders, or audio recorders are allowed in the courtroom during jury selection, per Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 30.

The trial is in the circuit courtroom in the Weakley County Courthouse located at 116 W Main St. Dresden.

No electronic or recording devices will be allowed in the circuit courtroom where the trial is taking place, except for designated pool cameras for media.