Chief Will Johnson, officers & volunteers went to neighborhood to remind people about tragic death, seek information.
UPDATE:
This weekend, Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson joined volunteers and officers who went door-to-door in Leona Swafford's neighborhood leaving flyers to remind the community about her death one year ago. A $10,000 from Oak Farms Dairy has been renewed in the hopes that someone will come forward who knows something about this tragic homicide. Some of Leona's family also joined the neighborhood re-canvassing Saturday morning. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 817 459-5373 or Crime Stoppers at 817 469-TIPS (8477). Tipsters have the option of remaining anonymous.
Original message sent June 5:
One year ago today, our community experienced a tragedy with the homicide of an 83-year-old woman who was kidnapped during a carjacking and later found deceased. To honor the memory of Leona Swafford and bring awareness to the ongoing investigation, the Arlington Police Department hosted a tree dedication ceremony today and is coordinating with volunteers this weekend to re-canvass the neighborhood where the tragedy occurred. In addition Oak Farms Dairy has agreed to renew the $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and grand jury indictment of a suspect.
Today, Ms. Swafford’s family, friends and Arlington police employees gathered at Marrow Bone Springs Park for a ceremony where a tree was dedicated in honor of Ms. Swafford. The 45-gallon Red Oak tree, which was purchased by the Arlington Police Association and planted by the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department, is a perfect representation of the strength that Ms. Swafford was for those who knew her, according to family members.
“Leona loved flowers, plants and trees,” said Judy Mitchell, Ms. Swafford’s daughter. “It is fitting that this tree would be a living memorial in her honor.”
During the ceremony, Homicide Detective Ben Lopez discussed the ongoing efforts to find Ms. Swafford’s killer. Despite over 200 tips received in this case, there has been no major break over the past year. However, with the passage of time, detectives believe that someone in the community may recall something from that day or the suspect may have talked to someone who is now more willing to come forward.
On Saturday, June 7, 2014, officers and volunteers will return to Ms. Swafford’s neighborhood to provide residents with flyers to try and generate new leads that will assist the department in identifying the person responsible for this crime. Someone in that neighborhood may recall a detail about the case that they were not comfortable discussing previously. By being available in that neighborhood Saturday morning, officers and volunteers hope to bring the case back to the forefront of people's minds and encourage a tipster to come forward. The department believes that someone still has information that could break this case wide open.
The suspect is described as a black man in his late 20s to late 30s, between 5’11” to 6’ tall with short hair possibly styled in a half-inch afro. He has a muscular build, dark skin, and little to no facial hair. The suspect was wearing a light-colored shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about the suspect is encouraged to call the Arlington Police Homicide Unit at 817 459-5373, or contact Crime Stoppers at 817 469-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may remain anonymous if they choose and could qualify for a $10,000 reward provided by Oak Farms Dairy.
Address/Location
Arlington Police Department (Texas)
620 West Division Street
Arlington, TX 76011
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 817-459-5624
900 Sussex Dr
Arlington, TX 76014