In the early morning hours of July 2, 2023, tragedy struck in Sylacauga, Alabama, when 19-year-old Jason Anthony Swain Jr. was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 1:00 AM at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Scrooge Alley in the historic Avondale Mill Village area. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered Swain with a gunshot wound to his chest, with bystanders attempting to provide aid.
He was quickly transported by ambulance to Coosa Valley Medical Center, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Jason, born on October 30, 2003, was a student at B.B. Comer Memorial High School where he was a member of the football team. He was known for his kindhearted and loving nature. The young man also worked at C & J Tech after school.
In the wake of the shooting, the Sylacauga Police Department, along with the Talladega County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, launched an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend the person responsible for Swain's death. Their efforts led them to a suspect who had since left the state. On August 15, 2023, investigators with the Criminal Investigation Division located and arrested 22-year-old Marquese Donnell Duncan of Childersburg. Duncan was found at the Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Army Base.
Following his apprehension, Marquese Donnell Duncan was charged with Capital Murder in connection with the shooting death of Jason Anthony Swain Jr.
