Four Arraigned on Murder, Kidnapping Charges
Timothy Swinford talks with public defender Tyler Benson in the courtroom Wednesday at the Washington County Jail in Fayetteville for arraignment with Judge Ray Reynolds. Swinford is one of four people facing felony charges in connection with accomplice to capital murder, engaging in violent criminal group activity and kidnapping.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
FAYETTEVILLE — Four Prairie Grove residents facing murder charges related to the death of 48-year-old Ronnie Lee Bradley pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Washington County Circuit Court.
Legal Lingo
Arraignment
Arraignment is usually a criminal defendant’s first appearance in court or before a judge on a criminal charge. At arraignment, the charges against the defendant are read or the defendant is asked if he is aware of the charges against him, and is asked how he wishes to plead. It is not a hearing to determine guilt or innocence.
Source: U.S. Legal
Anthony Allen Swinford, 35, and Timothy William Swinford, 37, both of 16296 Elgin Road in Prairie Grove, along with Heather Carlene Swain and James Patton, both 35 and of 17191 Edwards Road in Prairie Grove, face felony charges in connection with accomplice to capital murder and kidnapping.
Trial was set for April 2. All four were denied bond.
All four face either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted on the accomplice to capital murder charges and 10 to 40 years or life on the kidnapping charges. There are also sentencing enhancements for being habitual offenders and engaging in criminal group activity.
Swain faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence. If convicted she faces up to six years and a fine of up to $10,000 on that charge.
Prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.
“What I usually do is wait until we have all the evidence in and talk to the family members,” said John Threet, prosecuting attorney.
Patton was also arraigned on an unrelated domestic battery charge. Anthony Swinford is facing revocation on a prior sentence from a terroristic threatening conviction.
A preliminary arrest report said Bradley 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 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, said Sheriff’s Office Capt. Dallas McClellan.
McClellan said detectives believe Bradley knew the four suspects.
All four suspects and Bradley have a criminal history with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.