A Madison County jury on Monday, October 5, 2026, found Rejon Smith guilty of murder and related counts in the shooting death of Dayla Swain, 26, outside an Anderson bar, according to WISH-TV[1] and The Herald Bulletin[2].
What was reported about the shooting and verdict
The Herald Bulletin reported that the shooting happened on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in the 1500 block of South Madison Avenue. WISH-TV reported that it happened outside Sonny Ray's bar. The verdict followed a six-day trial, and The Herald Bulletin reported that Smith is the fourth person found guilty of murder in the case.
Sentencing is set for November 10 before Judge David Happe, according to both outlets. WISH-TV reported that Smith faces up to 176 years. The outlets differ on his age and the time of the sentencing hearing, so those disputed details are not stated here. Neither outlet reported anything about security or service at the bar, and this article does not suggest that the business bears any fault.
What families can do next
A shooting is not an accident, but families who lose someone to violence still face practical questions after a verdict. You can ask the prosecutor's office about victim impact statements at sentencing and how to receive notice of future hearings. You can also keep funeral bills and records of other losses together and look into Indiana's crime victim compensation program, which can help with certain costs for victims of violent crime and their families.
A criminal conviction and a civil claim are separate. A conviction does not by itself compensate a family for its loss. Families considering a civil case can review the firm's explanation of survival actions and wrongful death claims and organize relevant records before speaking with counsel.
Why the Anderson location matters
The shooting happened in the 1500 block of South Madison Avenue in Anderson, in Madison County, and the criminal case is in Madison County. A civil case would ordinarily be filed in Madison County or where a defendant lives.
Indiana's wrongful death statutes identify who may bring a claim and what type of claim may apply. Most Indiana personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the injury or death under Indiana Code 34-11-2-4[3]. That period can expire before a criminal case is fully finished, so families should not assume they can wait for sentencing. The firm's guide to Indiana wrongful death filing deadlines provides additional general information.
Indiana's Comparative Fault Act can divide fault among more than one party when the facts support it. Under Indiana Code 34-51-2-6[4], an injured person whose own fault is greater than 50 percent recovers nothing; otherwise, recovery is reduced by that person's percentage of fault. That general rule does not establish responsibility in this case.
How Delventhal Law Office can help
Delventhal Law Office, LLC is a personal injury law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, founded by attorney Chad E. Delventhal in 2009. The firm handles wrongful death and serious injury claims in Indiana. Chad Delventhal can explain how a civil claim relates to a criminal case, which deadlines may apply, and what information should be preserved. You can learn more about working with a Fort Wayne wrongful death attorney or request a free case evaluation. No outcome can be promised in any case.
This post is based on public reporting, the investigation or related proceedings may be ongoing, and nothing here is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship.
