Akiyah Price, who has been convicted of second-degree murder in the 2023 fatal shooting of Matthew Swiger in Jacksonville Beach, was sentenced to 35 years in prison followed by a subsequent five years of probation and community-controlled supervision. This sentencing came over a year after the incident that took place on 4th Avenue North, as detailed by reports from First Coast News. Price had entered a guilty plea on September 19.
On the night of the shooting, witnesses described a scene where, following a fight, Swiger was pursued by an individual wearing a red hooded sweatshirt. "Akiyah Price, Akiyah Price, she did this," Swiger said as one of the witnesses helped the man who was shot, according to statements shared by First Coast News. In a move that was immediate, the Jacksonville Beach General Investigations Unit and SWAT team apprehended Price on murder charges the next day at 2:54 a.m.
Information from Action News Jax confirmed that Price was arrested at her residence on Sept. 25, following the discovery of the victim. Detectives were able to match a bullet casing found outside Price's front door with the caliber found at the Crime Scene, solidifying her ties to the deadly event.
Reminiscent of the love Matthew Swiger had for his team, his family described him as the biggest Jags fan and praised his character as a protective son and great uncle. His memory continues to be honored by his loved ones, according to accounts provided by First Coast News. In accordance with being sentenced last Friday, Price is beginning a long-term incarceration which will ultimately give way to a modified return to society under close supervision, as reported by News4Jax.
