Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:09 pm a 911 call was received about a domestic dispute at 3533 Amity Hill Road. The caller said they could heard yelling, and screaming coming from the 3533 Amity Hill Road, and then heard a gunshot. 

A few minutes later another 911 call was received from a male caller at 3533 Amity Hill Road. The male stated the victim had come at him with a baseball bat, and he had shot her.

When the responding deputies arrived, they located the suspect, Thomas Ulester Swakla crouching down in the carport. When ordered to stand up and show his hands, the deputies noticed a pistol tucked in the waistband of his pants. The suspect was disarmed and detained.

The deputies immediately noticed a female laying on the carport floor with severe injuries. First Aid was attempted, however the victim had succumbed to her injuries. The deputies then entered the home to check for additional victims and located a female and three small children in the home. 

The crime scene was secured and detectives and Crime Scene Investigators arrived to process the area. The victim was later identified as Kayla Danae Davis of Mooresville.

Thomas Ulester Swakla was transported to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office where he was interviewed by detectives. 

Based on the investigation, interviews of witnesses, and evidence gathered Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Detectives received a Felony Arrest Warrant on Thomas Ulester Swakla for Murder.

Thomas Ulester Swakla, 26 Years old

3533 Amity Hill Road

Statesville, North Carolina 28677