Jessie Jerome Swain Faces Retrial for 2007 Murder
A Dothan man returns to court following a mistrial in the decades-old shooting case of Perry Griffin.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Financial Crime
Jessie Jerome Swain is facing a retrial for his alleged involvement in the 2007 murder of Perry Griffin. The incident occurred at Panhandle Scrap and Metal on Beverlye Road, where Griffin was shot while carrying $35,000.
Why it matters
The case highlights the challenges of cold case investigations, as suspects were not identified by authorities until 13 years after the crime occurred.
Kevin Thornton pleaded to a misdemeanor and received a one-year sentence nearly two years ago. Jessie Jerome Swain's first trial ended in a mistrial earlier this year, while Kendrick Fitzgerald Bryant was formally charged approximately two months later.
The players
Jessie Jerome Swain
He is one of three suspects identified by authorities in connection to the 2007 shooting.
Perry Griffin
He was the victim of a fatal shooting at a local metal business in Dothan.
Kendrick Fitzgerald Bryant
He is suspected by investigators of being the gunman in the 2007 homicide.
Kevin Thornton
He is a suspect who entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge nearly two years ago.
The details
Three men reportedly waited for Perry Griffin outside of his Dothan business before the fatal shooting took place. Following a request from the defense attorney, the court granted a mistrial in the initial proceedings against Swain earlier this year.
Timeline
Perry Griffin was shot and killed in June 2007.
Police publicly named Jessie Jerome Swain, Kendrick Fitzgerald Bryant, and Kevin Thornton as suspects in 2020.
Kevin Thornton pleaded to a misdemeanor charge in 2024.
The first trial for Jessie Jerome Swain ended in a mistrial in early 2026.
Legal Context
The prosecution of the 2007 Panhandle Scrap and Metal homicide investigation remains a complex cold case that has spanned nearly two decades. Recent judicial rulings have necessitated this retrial, reflecting the ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing crimes in the Dothan area.
The ongoing court proceedings serve as a reminder of local cold case resolution efforts. Residents may observe increased attention to the legal status of individuals involved in major historical incidents within the city.
The takeaway
Cold cases often rely on the continued dedication of investigators to identify suspects years after the initial crime. The legal system provides avenues for retrial to ensure all evidence is thoroughly examined in complex murder cases.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in Dothan Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtvy.
