Death Penalty Waived In Prairie Grove Murder Case

FAYETTEVILLE — Prosecutors eliminated the death penalty as a possible punishment for two of three remaining defendants charged with being accomplices to capital murder in the beating death last year of Ronnie Bradley.

Prosecutor John Threet said Friday he will not seek the death penalty against Heather Swain and James Patton. He hasn't yet decided whether to seek the death penalty against Timothy Swinford.

“After discussions with the victim’s family, going over the case in its entirety, looking at the law of the death penalty and the level of culpability of those two, we did not feel it was reasonable to try to do that under the circumstances,” Threet said.

Swain and Patton face 10 to 40 years or life in prison if convicted.

Anthony Swinford pleaded guilty to his role in Bradley’s killing and was sentenced to two consecutive 40-year terms at the Arkansas Department of Correction.

Circuit Judge William Storey has agreed to sever the cases against the three remaining defendants. Swain has a hearing on all pending motions set for Jan. 3. Hearings for Patton and Swinford haven't been set.

An arrest report said Bradley, 48, appeared to have been severely beaten. Bradley’s body was discovered the morning of Dec. 27 in the driveway of 17409 Four Corners Road, near the intersection of Greasy Valley Road in rural southwest Washington County.

Anthony Swinford, 35, and his brother, Timothy William Swinford, 37, along with Swain, 36, and Patton, 35, were charged with accomplice to capital murder and kidnapping.

All remaining defendants also face 10 to 40 years or life on related kidnapping charges. Sentencing enhancements are also possible for being habitual offenders and engaging in criminal group activity. Swain faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence, and, if convicted, faces up to six years and a fine of up to $10,000.

All are being held without bond in the Washington County Detention Center.

Anthony Swinford told investigators he beat Bradley and left his body in the driveway, according to the report. He identified Swain, Patton and Timothy Swinford as accomplices.

Anthony Swinford said the four beat Bradley repeatedly at different places across southwest Washington County. Bradley appeared to have been killed before his body was dumped, investigators said.

Detectives believe Bradley knew the four suspects.

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