A Michigan man, 40-year-old Roger Albert Schweda, is facing serious charges following the deaths of his mother and a neighbor. Schweda has been charged with two counts of open murder and two felony firearms counts. The victims, as identified by court records, are Schweda’s mother, 70-year-old Shari Schweda, and 57-year-old Thomas Farnsworth.
The tragic incident took place in Leoni Township, a small, unincorporated community in the south-central region of Michigan. It is alleged that Schweda shot and killed his mother at their Welch Lake Road home on a Saturday. After the incident, Schweda reportedly left a voicemail for Farnsworth, stating that he could not return home because his mother was dead, as reported by local NBC affiliate WILX.
The authorities were alerted to the situation when Farnsworth requested a welfare check at the Schweda residence. During his 911 call, Farnsworth went to the Schweda home to provide the address to the dispatchers. It was during this time that he was allegedly shot by Schweda in the driveway. The gunshot was heard over the phone call, but Farnsworth did not speak again.
After the alleged shooting, Schweda is believed to have fled the scene in his mother’s car. The vehicle was later found in a township several miles away. Following a short pursuit, Schweda was apprehended during a traffic stop.
Upon reaching the Schweda residence, police found Farnsworth’s body in the driveway. Inside the house, they discovered what they described as “a gruesome scene” in the bedroom where Shari Schweda’s body was found.
Schweda is currently detained at the Jackson County Jail without bond. He is set to appear in court on January 3, according to online court records. It is anticipated that Schweda will undergo a competency exam.