Four face capital murder charges

Washington County deputies have arrested four people in connection with the death of 48-year-old Ronnie Lee Bradley, of Prairie Grove.

Bradley’s body was discovered at 8:30 a.m. Thursday on Four Corners Road, near Greasy Valley Road, said Capt. Dallas McClellan of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Bradley had been severely beaten, according to a probable cause affidavit.

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Washington County Detention Center

Anthony Swinford

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Washington County Detention Center

Heather Swain

Authorities arrested Anthony Swinford, Timothy Swinford, Heather Swain and James Patton, McClellan said.

All four face charges of capital murder (accomplice), kidnapping and engaging in violent group activity, according to preliminary probable cause documents from the Washington County Prosecutor. Swain also faces a charge of tampering with evidence.

McClellan said all four were in custody as of 11 p.m. Thursday. He said they face felony charges of capital murder, kidnapping and participating in violent group activity.

Detectives believe Bradley was killed in a vehicle “over several hours” and dumped on the side of the road, McClellan said. Investigators believe Bradley knew the people who reportedly kidnapped him.

“We’re under the understanding that this crime took place in a vehicle over several hours,” McClellan said. “We don’t believe a weapon was used besides the human weapon of hands.”

McClellan said detectives are searching “many miles of road” looking for pieces of evidence.”

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