In a quiet neighborhood in Leoni Township, Michigan, a chilling sequence of events unfolded on December 7, 2024, leading to the tragic death of 70-year-old Shari Schweda. A concerned neighbor, 57-year-old Thomas Farnsworth, became alarmed after receiving a disturbing voicemail from Shari's son, 40-year-old Roger Albert Schweda. In the message, Roger stated he could not go inside his home because his mother was dead.
This prompted Farnsworth to call 911 and request a welfare check on the Schweda residence.
While on the phone with dispatchers to confirm the address, Farnsworth walked over to his neighbor's home. As he stood in the driveway, he reported to the 911 operator that Roger was returning to the property. Moments later, a gunshot was heard over the open phone line, and Farnsworth became unresponsive. When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they made a grim discovery. Farnsworth was found deceased in the driveway, and inside the home, they found Shari Schweda's body in her bedroom. Authorities would later describe the scene of her death as 'gruesome.'
Roger Schweda was not at the residence when police arrived. He had fled the scene in his mother's vehicle. Law enforcement was able to track the vehicle to a nearby township. When they initiated a traffic stop, Roger attempted to flee, leading to a brief police pursuit. He eventually pulled over and was taken into custody.
Following his arrest, Roger Schweda was arraigned on December 9, 2024. He faces two counts of open murder and two counts of felony firearms in connection with the deaths of his mother, Shari Schweda, and his neighbor, Thomas Farnsworth. He is currently being held without bond. A competency exam has been ordered, and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 3, 2025.
