Patricia Yvette Swaim, a 49-year-old woman from Mocksville, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on March 23, 2011. Patricia, who was born on May 19, 1962, in Guilford County, NC, was the daughter of the late James Sulier and Kay Strickland Sulier. She was survived by her daughter, Andrea Nicole Swaim, and her son, Jason Gray Swaim, both of Mocksville.
Patricia's death was a significant loss to her family and the community, as she was remembered for her cheerful and friendly demeanor.
The circumstances surrounding Patricia's death were both shocking and tragic. On March 10, 2011, Patricia's daughter reported her missing. Patricia's remains were discovered on March 23, 2011, in a field near her home. She had been shot in the head, and her body had been dismembered, burned, and partially hidden under a stump. The gruesome nature of her death left the community in shock and mourning.
David Earl Hughes, a 59-year-old man who was living with Patricia at the time of her death, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Hughes had a history of strokes, seizures, depression, and anxiety, and he seemed to have no memory of the days or weeks before or after the murder. Despite his severe cognitive impairment, Hughes was found capable of proceeding to trial twice but was also found incapable of proceeding to trial at least five times. In May 2014, Hughes was allowed to plead to the lesser charge of second-degree murder in Davie Superior Court. He was sentenced to a minimum of 144 months and a maximum of 182 months in prison, with credit for time spent incarcerated since his arrest.
The loss of Patricia Yvette Swaim deeply affected her family and friends. Her niece, brother, and former sister-in-law spoke about the impact of her death on their lives. Hughes' family members, including his two sons, two sisters, mother, and ex-wife, also spoke on his behalf during the trial. The community remembered Patricia for her sense of humor and unique outlook on life, and her death left a void that could never be filled.
