(Madison, IN) – A Ripley County man has been sentenced to 40 years following his conviction on an attempted murder charge in Jefferson County.
Forty-four-year-old Mark Swafford was arrested after a violent altercation in January 2024 in which he shot his daughter’s boyfriend in the back of the neck at a home in Madison.
Investigators say Swafford was intoxicated when he entered the home and started an argument.
The incident quickly escalated into violence, when Swafford pushed the victim down on a couch and pulled a pistol from his waistband and shot the man.
The shooting took place in front of Swafford’s daughter and then-seven-month-old grandchild.
The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and has since recovered.
Swafford fled the scene and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Ripley County before he lost control and flipped his vehicle.
A judge sentenced Swafford to 35 years at the Indiana Department of Correction, followed by five years on supervised probation.
“This case is a sobering reminder of the impact of violent crime and the importance of coordinated efforts by law enforcement,” said Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter. “We extend our gratitude to all the officers, investigators, and agencies who worked tirelessly to bring this matter to a conclusion.”
