In a tragic turn of events stemming from a dispute over a final paycheck, Dariusz Pawel Swiader, a 47-year-old male, lost his life in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident, which unfolded on November 2, 2022, culminated in the arrest of his employee, 51-year-old Daniel Gordon Sr.
The fatal encounter took place outside an apartment complex near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road.
Swiader, the owner of a trucking business, had arranged to meet Gordon to return his personal belongings and settle a final paycheck. According to Swiader's wife, Stacy, her husband had decided to let Gordon go due to a pattern of not following company protocols. The disagreement escalated over missing items from the company's semi-truck, which Gordon had been driving. The value of these items, estimated at $700, was reportedly being withheld from Gordon's $2,000 paycheck until they were returned.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the final moments of the meeting. The two men were seen talking for approximately six minutes. After their conversation, as Swiader returned to his vehicle, Gordon allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him multiple times as he attempted to open his car door. Swiader was found deceased in his vehicle with two gunshot wounds to his head. Gordon later admitted to the shooting and told police where he had placed the weapon.
Following the incident, Daniel Gordon Sr. was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and possession of a prohibited weapon. He initially claimed to police that Swiader had threatened him, causing him to fear for his safety. However, investigators stated that surveillance video contradicted his account, showing that Swiader did not display any physical aggression. Gordon is reported to have had prior felony convictions and had served jail time. He was held on a $250,000 bond. The tragic death of Dariusz Pawel Swiader left his family, including his wife and ex-wife, heartbroken over a life cut short by a senseless act of violence.
