Media Release 188
Homicide Investigation Update
The Birmingham Police Department reports an additional arrest has been made in connection to the homicide of Raven Swain. Swain was murdered on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Underwood Park located in the 1100 block of 26th Street South.
The suspect has been identified as:
Demarcus Chandler, (24), B/M, State of Alabama Correctional Facility.
The investigation suggests Chandler was in the custody of the West Jefferson Correctional Facility at the time he hired the defendant Solomon Minatee III to murder Raven Swain for pecuniary gain or other valuable consideration pursuant to a contract.
BPD Detectives obtained a Capital Murder Warrant (No Bond) for Demarcus Chandler. Chandler is currently in the custody of West Jefferson Correctional Facility.
The information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.
Homicide Investigation Update
The Birmingham Police Department reports an arrest has been made in connection to the homicide of Raven Swain. Swain was murdered on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Underwood Park located in the 1100 block of 26th Street South.
The suspect has been identified as Solomon Minatee III, (24), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
Detectives presented information gathered on the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review. After the assessment of information, BPD Detectives obtained a Capitol Murder Warrant (NO BOND) for Minatee’s arrest. Solomon Minatee III was arrested and is currently in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
Homicide Investigation
Original Release
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. The victim has been identified as Raven Swain, (24), B/F, of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 7:09 p.m., officers from South Precinct responded to Underwood Park in the 1100 block of 26th Street on reports of a person running with a handgun after shots were heard in the area. Upon arrival, officers were notified of a car lodged in the bushes at the entrance of the park parking lot.
Upon further investigation officers discovered the victim Raven Swain in the driver’s seat of the unresponsive suffering from a gunshot wound. Swain was pronounced deceased on the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
Details are limited in this investigation. There are no suspects in custody and detectives have not developed a motive. Updates will be provided as details come available.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.
This is Birmingham’s 59th homicide investigation of 2020 and 8 justifiable death investigations and 1 non-criminal homicide (accidental shooting). The Birmingham Police Department adheres to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines set for all law enforcement agencies across the United States. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines do not require law enforcement agencies to include justifiable death investigations into the total homicide investigations counts.
The information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed
Click below to print:
Media Release 188-Homicide Investigation Update 2-Raven Swain
