Robert Swint, a local hoodlum in Philadelphia, PA, was killed on April 5, 1970. He was 30 years old, male, and African American. The incident occurred during a late-night party hosted by Walter Hudgins at his apartment on Federal Street. An argument erupted between Robert Swint's brother, Nathaniel Swint, and Robert Fairbanks, which led to gunfire. Robert Swint was killed, and Nathaniel Swint, along with Walter Hudgins, was wounded.
The case led to the arrest and trial of Robert Fairbanks. He was charged with murder in the second degree. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Fairbanks had a motive related to a drug debt owed by Hudgins to Nathaniel Swint. The defense claimed that the shooting was a result of a spontaneous altercation. Fairbanks was convicted and sentenced to nine to eighteen years in prison.
The trial, Commonwealth v. Fairbanks, was significant due to the introduction of hearsay evidence by the prosecution, which was highly prejudicial. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania later reversed Fairbanks' conviction and granted a new trial due to the prejudicial nature of the hearsay evidence.
This tragic event highlighted the violent and chaotic nature of the criminal underworld in Philadelphia during that era, with numerous incidents involving the Philly Black Mafia and other local gangs.
