Swoveland murder


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John Swoveland Jr. was playing in front of his aunt's house on Campeau Street in South Bend on April 9, 2014 when he was struck by a stray bullet fired from nearby Coquillard Park. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office charged 7 people related to Swoveland's death.

  • Robert L Griffin - At trial, a jury found him guilty of murder and attempted murder. Sentenced to 60 years in prison.
  • Tarez Buchanon - Pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Sentenced to 35 years in prison and 5 years probation.
  • Cedric Washington - Sentenced to 7 years for assisting a criminal with three years added for gang enhancement.  Must serve 6 years and first year of probation at DuComb Center.
  • Xavier Primm - Pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal. Sentenced to 5 years and 2 years probation.
  • Malcolm Buchanon - Pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal. Sentenced to 4 years (2 years suspended). Sentenced to 2 years probation.
  • Daniel Williams - Pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal and carrying a handgun without a license. Sentenced to 6 years in prison with 2 years suspended. He also must serve 2 years probation. After violating probation he was ordered to serve the 4 years in the DOC instead of work release.
  • Tyre Bradbury - Convicted of aiding in murder with gang enhancement. Sentenced to 60 years in prison. (Conviction overturned - then reinstated)