The Leader - Jan. 7, 2010

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THE LEADER Thursday, January 7, 2010

75¢

Serving All of Tipton County Established 1886

Volume 123 • No. 92

www.covingtonleader.com

Mother pleads guilty in 4-year-old's death By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com COVINGTON – A Brighton mother pleaded guilty to the 2008 scalding death of her daughter Tuesday morning. Hands clasped together and feet shackled, 26-yearold Amber Nicole Swayne agreed to a deal that will keep her in prison until at least 2023. “My client wishes to get this behind her, to stop suffering as you can see she is right now,” said defense attorney Jim Schaeffer. “We believe it is in her best interest to do so.” After sustaining second-

and third-degree burns over 41 percent of her body – including her back, buttocks, chest, right leg and right foot – Katlynn Rose Camarillo died at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 20, 2008. Initially it was Swayne’s boyfriend, Bobby Joseph Jones, who was taken into custody on charges he physically abused Katlynn’s younger sister, but two months after Katlynn’s death, it was Swayne who was indicted for the murder. On Sept. 19, 2008, a specially-called grand jury, the likes of which had not been called since the 1970s, indict-

ed Swayne on the charges of first degree murder and aggravated child abuse. And though she nervously smiled and waved at a family member when she entered the courtroom, Swayne later melted into tears while the evidence against her was read. “Mommy, it’s hot!” Two days before her death, Katlynn was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton after suffering from scalding burns. Swayne told hospital personnel and investigators it was an accident, that she left Katlynn alone in the bath-

room while she dried her younger daughter off and the 4-year-old ended up in the bathtub with scalding water inside. Swayne told investigators Kaitlynn said, "Mommy, it's hot!" She said she tried to help Katlynn and in the process, the 4-year-old fell down in the water where she received burns to her back, buttocks and chest. Katlynn was airlifted to LeBonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis Photo by ECHO DAY and then to Shriner's After being sentenced, Amber Children's Hospital in Swayne is led back to a holding Cincinnati, Ohio. cell by Deputy Keith McAnally SEE GUILTY, PAGE A3

and Det. Sherri Wassel.

Missing teen found in Frayser By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com

COVINGTON – Police have found a Covington teen who ran away from home on Jan. 2. According to police, 12-year-old Heather Taylor left her Jackson Street home Sunday night at approximately 11 p.m. Det. Pam Ford said the girl’s mother, Cotina

Taylor, discovered she was missing at approximately 11 p.m. Heather reportedly left a note. Following tips phoned in after the story aired on television, Ford said the girl could have traveled as far as West Memphis, Ark. However, Wednesday afternoon she was found walking along Watkins Avenue in Frayser. At press time, there was no word on how

Taylor

she got to Memphis or why she ran away. Det. Pam Ford said foul play is not suspected.

Local girls compete for county titles on Saturday By SHERRI ONORATI sonorati@covingtonleader.com

Photo by ECHO DAY

Beatrice Boyd of Covington enjoys champagne punch at the Noon Year's Eve party at the Covington senior center Thursday.

Ringing in the noon year By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com They brought in 2010 with horns and festive party hats, champagne punch and Auld Lang Syne. But this year they didn't have to stay up late to party. On Thursday afternoon, seniors who attend Covington's senior center, brought in the noon year, counting down to noon rather than midnight. "Let's get this new year started!" cheered program director Kelly West as the party began. West explained the purpose of the event was to include seniors in yearend festivities. "A lot of seniors don't stay up late, so this was an opportunity for them to celebrate with their friends." Enjoying favors – streamers and noisemakers – and games of Wii bowling, seniors were happy to have the opportunity to enjoy New Year's Eve festivities. "We get to have a party and not have to miss sleep," said 83-year-old V.L.

Hubble of Covington. "I don't really stay up late anymore." As the clock ticked and noon drew closer, director Molly Egg began asking party-goers for new year's resolutions. Some vowed to become better people, some wanted to become closer to God or eat better. One resolution involved not losing so much weight. And as they shared their resolutions, many reflected on the year that was ending and shared their hopes for the year that was to come. "It was a good year, but not exciting," said Margaret Willard, 89. "I'm just hopeful for more good health." As the clock struck noon, the horns blew and the streamers flew. Guests cheered on the new year and sang a farewell to 2009. The event was a success and many hope to ring in 2011 in the same way. "I would like another party," Willard said. "I hope I'm around." The Tipton County Commission on Aging and the Covington senior center is located at 401 S. College Street in Covington. Visit them online at www. tiptonaging.org.

The historic Ruffin Theater will be the site of beauty and poise this weekend and the public is invited. The first-ever Little Miss Tipton County Pageant will be held Saturday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. at the historic Ruffin Theater in Covington. The Miss Tipton County Teen and Miss Junior Teen Tipton County Pageant will be held later that night at 7 p.m. Both events are fundraisers for the Miss Tipton County Scholarship Pageant which will be held in August. “This is a wonderful opportunity for girls to earn scholarships for college, as well as learn leadership and public speaking skills and boost their confidence,” said Miss Tipton County executive director Mary Gail Elam, adding the Miss Tipton County Scholarship pageant awards $5,000 each year to those crowned. Little Miss Tipton County Pageant is for girls from birth to 12-years-old, and is divided into five age groups. Baby Miss Tipton County is for ages birth to one, Tiny Miss Tipton County is ages 2 to 3, Petite Miss Tipton County is for 4-5 year olds, Little Miss Tipton County for ages 6 thru 9 and girls 10

through 12 will compete for Pre-Teen Miss Tipton County. There are 21 young ladies competing for one of the five titles up for grabs at the premier Little Miss Tipton County pageant and it’s not too late to participate, said Elam. “We will accept walk-ins for the Little Miss pageant,” stated Elam. “They just have to come dressed in the attire they want to be judged in.” To participate in the Little Miss Tipton County, contestants must pay the $20 entry fee, plus $5 for each additional category they want to be judged in. The application may be filled out at the pageant. Pageant board members hope that by establishing the Little Miss Tipton County, girls will become involved and stay involved in the various pageants throughout their lives. “Many girls as they get older start to concentrate on sports and outside activities,” said Elam. “The pageant is a great opportunity to earn scholarships for college. Hopefully, by starting them younger, they will enjoy the experience and want to continue to compete for Miss Tipton County.” Each girl will be judged on their atSEE TITLES, PAGE A2

Check The Leader online for information regarding local school, church and business closures due to inclement weather. covingtonleader.com Area events events Area

This week’s This week’sFeatured featuredChurch: church: Covington • Barretville • Millington • Collierville South Tipton • South Covington Morgage Offices: South Tipton • Millington • Arlington • Collierville

FRONT.indd 1

Liberty Baptist Church Turn to to Page Turn PageA7 A7forfordetails details

Feb. 20, 6-11 a.m. Lions Club Pancake Breakfast Covington Integrated Arts Academy Tickets: Adults $5; Children $3

1/6/10 1:24:19 PM


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