In the summer of 2025, the life of a man known for his "gentle soul with rough edges" was cut short on a street in his hometown. Altovise Swift, a 51-year-old Black/African American male from Forrest City, Arkansas, was found in the street on Oak Avenue with a single gunshot wound to his abdomen on the afternoon of Monday, June 16, 2025. First responders rushed him to Forrest City Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injury later that day.
His body was then sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
Born in Forrest City to Dorothy Johnson and Andrew Swift Jr., Altovise was a graduate of Forrest City High School's Class of 1991. He was known for his deep compassion and unshakeable determination, approaching life's challenges with a smile. His personal journey of overcoming adversity inspired him to become a self-made motivator, using his experiences to uplift others. He had a passion for antique cars and classic bicycles. Before returning to Arkansas, he had worked at K&R Auto Sales and even spent time in Georgia working on the set of the television show "The Walking Dead." This experience sparked an interest in creative outreach, leading him to launch ventures like Sunrise Originals and the Poppin' Off Podcast. He was remembered by friends and family for his desire to make people laugh and see them happy.
In the days following the shooting, the investigation progressed quickly. Witnesses at the scene provided investigators with a suspect identification, leading authorities to signal that arrests were imminent. Soon after, the Forrest City Police Department announced the arrests of 33-year-old Damien McGuffie and his 50-year-old mother, Christie McGuffie, in connection with Altovise Swift's death.
Damien McGuffie was charged with first-degree murder and was held at the St. Francis County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. Christie McGuffie faced a charge of being an accomplice to first-degree murder, with her bond set at $100,000. The swift arrests brought a measure of progress to a community mourning the loss of a man who had dedicated his later years to encouraging better life choices and celebrating the successes of others.
