Trial Begins in Decade-Old Murder
From the May 21, 2024 e-EditionDRESDEN — 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.
In the e-Edition
McKenzie Banner May 21, 2024
May 21, 2024 · Read the full issue →
Related Stories
West Carroll Students Attend "Flip the Switch" at Solar Farm
West Carroll students had the opportunity to be part of an exciting moment for our local community this week as they attended the Trezevant Solar Farm “Flip the Switch” event!
Sep 13, 2026
Cash Express Honors McKenzie’s First Responders
McKENZIE (September 11) — On Friday, Cash Express honored McKenzie Police (MPD), McKenzie Fire & Rescue (MFD), and Baptist-Carroll County Ambulance first responders with cakes decorated with the American flag and cards signed by McKenzie businesses thanking them for their…
Sep 11, 2026
Trezevant Solar Farm Flip-the-Switch Event Happening Now
Carroll County Electric Department (CCED) and Tennessee-based Silicon Ranch , owner and operator of one of the nation’s largest fleets of solar facilities and a community-focused energy infrastructure company, invite you to attend a “Flip-the-Switch” ceremony for the new…
Sep 10, 2026
McKenzie Council to Consider Planning Commission Appointments
McKENZIE — The McKenzie City Council will meet Thursday, September 10, at 6 p.m. with a Tennessee Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant and two appointments to the McKenzie Planning Commission among the items on the agenda.
Sep 8, 2026
