Reconstruction of Victim
Reconstruction of Victim
Date of Discovery: May 27, 1987
Location of Discovery: Rockbridge County, Virginia
Estimated Date of Death: Weeks prior.
State of Remains: Not recognizable - Decomposing/putrefaction
Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshot wound to the head and abdomen.
Estimated Age: 21-40 years old
Race: White
Sex: Male
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 150 lbs.
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Wedge shape narrow mouth. Near sighted. Wore black plastic frame glasses. Eyeglasses are for a nearsighted person and were similar to the type issued by the Veterans Administration to Vets. Prescription for nearsightedness. The prescription is as follows: "Right O.D. -2.25 Spherical 5ph Cylindrical, Left OS -2.25 Spherical 5ph Cylindrical, Distance pd = 61mm BC 4.25 OV,
Single vision clear glass." No surgical scars & no tattoos.
Dentals: Available. Lower 6 year molars removed around age 10; upper eye teeth removed around age 13; may have needed braces.
Fingerprints: Available.
DNA: Unknown
Clothing: Spec. 4 military shirt (short- sleeved) and a heavy brown winter coat with wool/fur interior. Blue jeans with brown belt (belt contains flaking white paint) and has a square belt buckle with a Longhorn Steer. White sweatsocks with green/yellow ankle stripes. Brown slipover shoes.
Jewelry: Metal Crucifix with chain attached.
Additional Personal Items: Switch blade knife, cigarette lighter, cassette tape, eye glasses, pocket size memo pad and $10.12 in cash.
On May 27, 1987, highway workers discovered a partially decomposed body along the southbound shoulder of I-81 South, Mile Post 183. The victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the right side of the head and right side of the body. Handwritten notes in the victims pocket referred to a truck and trailer number and the trucking firm of J.B. Hunt Trucking Company out of Lowell, Arkansas. A check of this company revealed that John Swartz was operating a tractor-trailer through Virginia at this time.
John Swartz, who was convicted in this homicide, left Little Rock, Arkansas on May 16, 1987 with a load of toys to be delivered to Edison, New Jersey. Along the way he picked up "Chris" at the Petro Truck stop in Wytheville, Virginia, four to five hours away from this destination. At the truck stop, Chris told John he had been stuck at the truck stop for two days without food. Chris stated he was trying to get to an uncertain location to go camping. John made an offer to pay Chris for unloading his truck. They arrived in New Jersey on the 18th of May and he paid Chris fifty dollars for unload help. Chris bought food and a small folding knife with this money. An argument ensued over money with Chris demanding $100 and several of Swartz's personal items in the truck. Chris threatened to turn in John for having an unauthorized rider, and at some point put John's name and truck company in his pocket. The next day they got another load, and started back toward Arkansas. While at a truck stop in Raphine, Virginia, Swartz said that Chris pulled out his knife, and made threats of harm if he did not get more money or Swartz's personal items. Around 4.00 a.m., several miles down Interstate 81, Swartz pulled over to the shoulder, and told Chris that he had to relieve himself. Chris got out and at this time, was shot and killed. The next morning Swartz discarded Chris' possessions and continued on to Arkansas. Swartz died in prison.
The accuracy of the sketch is unknown; it was compiled with the aide of the killer. The victim was gathering camping supplies for a hike on a trail (believed to be the Appalachian Trail). Victim misspelled simple words.
Agency Name: Virginia State Police - BCI
Agency Contact Person: First Sergeant George Gibbs
Agency Phone Number: 540-375-9546
Agency E-Mail: Unknown
Agency Case Number: W1987-45587
Agency Name: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Agency Contact Person: Investigator William Everett
Agency Phone Number: Unknown
Agency E-Mail: Unknown
Agency Case Number: W1987-45587
NCIC Case Number: Unknown
NamUs Case Number: UP6248
NamUs
ID Wanted Organization
Added: Prior to 2008; Last Updated: 11/14/18
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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