Murder Trial Delayed In Beating Death

The trial for four Prairie Grove residents charged with capital murder in the beating death of Ronnie Lee Bradley has been rescheduled to Jan. 13, 2014, according to the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.

The four were set to go to trial Aug. 19 but the case was delayed to allow mental evaluations and other trial preparation.

Bradley’s body was discovered the morning of Dec. 27, 2012, in the drive- way of 17409 Four Corners Road, near the intersection of Greasy Valley Road, in rural southwest Washington County. An arrest report said Bradley, 48, appeared to have been severely beaten.

Anthony Allen Swinford, 35, and Timothy William Swinford, 37, along with Heather Swain, 36, and James Patton, 35, are charged with accomplice to capital murder and kidnapping. All four face either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted on the accomplice to capital murder charges and 10 to 40 years or life on kidnapping charges. There also are sentencing enhancements in play for being habitual offenders and engaging in criminal group activity.

Swain faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence, and if convicted faces up to six years and a fine of up to $10,000. All are being held without bond in the Washington County Detention Center.

Prosecutors haven’ t decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.