Swann D. Hall, a 42-year-old Black/African American man from Casa Grande, Arizona, was known for his infectious smile and love of dancing. His bright spirit and boundless energy could light up any room he entered, and his passing left a profound void within his community and family. He was a devoted family man who cherished the bond he had with his mother and nana and made it a point to check in with his sisters every day.
A proud father, he eagerly shared pictures and videos of his children.
In the early morning hours of November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving, that life was tragically cut short. Police responded at 1:45 a.m. to a reported shooting in the parking lot of the Wonder Bar in downtown Casa Grande. An incident that was believed to have started as a verbal altercation had escalated to violence. Swann Hall had been shot four times in the abdomen. He was transported to Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, where he died from his injuries later that morning.
The investigation proceeded quickly. Based on witness testimony and camera footage from the scene, police identified a suspect, 34-year-old Alex Ortega of Casa Grande. Later that same day, officers located Ortega outside his home. He was arrested without incident and was found to have a gun in his possession.
Ortega was booked into the Pinal County jail and was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, misconduct involving weapons, and disorderly conduct. Rather than go to trial, Ortega accepted a plea agreement. In Pinal County Superior Court, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and misconduct involving weapons. He was sentenced to a combined maximum of 28 years in prison. With his conviction and sentencing, the case is now closed.
