Exclusive new information about a mother of four killed seven years ago. We now know how 44-year-old Karen Swift died. According to an autopsy report obtained by Local 24 News, investigators believe it was blunt force trauma that killed Swift back in 2011.
As we’ve reported, Swift was last seen following a Halloween party in Dyersburg. Her body was discovered six weeks later just miles from her home.
Local 24 News obtained the autopsy from Burton Staggs, a journalist at the Tennessee River Valley News, a digital news organization in Wayne County.
Staggs said the Tennessee State Medical Examiner’s Office sent him the autopsy report shortly after he requested it.
“I look at it as we’re digging into this case to find the truth and to hopefully find justice for Karen Swift,” Staggs said. “I hope it’ll keep this case in the public eye in the interest of justice.”
The 17-page report shows Swift died of blunt force trauma to the head after being hit, possibly with a hammer.
“The overall consensus that I’ve found is that this was a personal crime, not a random crime,” said Staggs. “They think they know who did it but they just don’t feel like they can prove it.”
The report also stated Swift was found wearing nothing but underwear that were pulled halfway down her thighs. Swift’s body was too decomposed to determine if she was sexually assaulted.
According to the toxicology report, Swift didn’t have illegal drugs or alcohol in her system when she died.
Local 24 News spoke to the Sheriff who said the investigation is still active and that no one has been arrested.
