Inmate Accused Of Murder-For-Hire Deal In Underwood Park Homicide

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Just days after an initial arrest was made in the killing of 24-year-old Raven Swain in Underwood Park July 27, the investigation has taken another turn. An inmate at the West Jefferson Correctional facility now faces capital murder charges after being accused of hiring someone to murder Swain.

Earlier this week, Solomon Minatee III was arrested and charged with Swain's murder. The continued investigation points to West Jefferson Correctional Facility inmate Demarcus Chandler, who has now been charged with capital murder in Swain's death.

"The investigation suggests Chandler was in the custody of the West Jefferson Correctional Facility at the time he hired the defendant Solomon Minatee III to murder Raven Swain for pecuniary gain or other valuable consideration pursuant to a contract," Sgt. Rod Mauldin of the Birmingham Police Department said.

Swain was shot while in the driver's seat of her car, and witnesses said they saw a man fleeing the scene on foot with a gun in his hand. Swain was pronounced dead on the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.