1944 - 1990
Summary
Name:
John Edward SwindlerYears Active:
1976Birth:
March 12, 1944Status:
ExecutedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
ShootingDeath:
June 18, 1990Nationality:
USA1944 - 1990
Summary: Murderer
Name:
John Edward SwindlerStatus:
ExecutedVictims:
1Method:
ShootingNationality:
USABirth:
March 12, 1944Death:
June 18, 1990Years Active:
1976“He hoped that the people of Arkansas… will take a long hard look at the death penalty.”
— John Edward Swindler
John Edward Swindler was born in March 12, 1944. He grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. In the years leading up to his criminal activities, Swindler moved between various locations. He was known to have run-ins with the law, including several felonies and violent crimes. By 1976, he was wanted for the murders of two teenagers in South Carolina. This made him a fugitive, and he was described as armed and dangerous.
On September 24, 1976, Swindler was involved in an event that resulted in the death of Fort Smith police officer Randy Basnett. At the time, Swindler was in a stolen vehicle in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was recognized by Officer Basnett and, during a subsequent confrontation, shot the officer.
Swindler was apprehended shortly after the incident. He was later sentenced to death for his actions and was executed by electrocution on June 18, 1990. This marked a significant moment in Arkansas' history, as he was the last person to be executed using the electric chair in the state.
On September 24, 1976, John Edward Swindler was at a service station in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was wanted for the murders of two teenagers in South Carolina. While there, Patrolman Randy Basnett, a police officer, recognized him and called for backup.
Swindler pretended to look for his driver's license but instead pulled a pistol from his car. He shot Officer Basnett twice in the chest. After shooting the officer, Swindler jumped back into his stolen vehicle and drove away. Despite being critically injured, Officer Basnett fired six shots at Swindler's vehicle as it fled. Two of those bullets struck Swindler, but he escaped.
Police soon found and arrested Swindler in a nearby wooded area. He had multiple weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition with him. Unfortunately, Officer Basnett did not survive the attack; he died while being transported to the hospital.
Swindler was charged with capital felony murder and faced his trial in two different counties due to legal issues during his first trial. He was convicted and sentenced to death on two occasions. His appeals were denied, and he spent many years on death row. Ultimately, he was executed by electrocution in Arkansas on June 18, 1990.
