A 19-year-old defendant convicted in the February 2, 2025, shooting death of Dayla Swain outside a tavern on South Madison Avenue in Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Madison Circuit Court Division 4. The Herald Bulletin reported the update[1] on November 6.
According to The Herald Bulletin, the defendant was convicted in October of murder, attempted murder, reckless homicide, conspiracy and juvenile possession of a firearm. He will be the fourth person sentenced in the case. The Anderson Police Department investigated the shooting.
This update comes from a single source, The Herald Bulletin. Any defendant whose case is still pending is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What families can do next
Families who lose someone to violence may follow a criminal case for a long time. It can help to keep copies of medical, funeral and insurance records and stay in contact with the prosecutor's victim services office. A practical guide on organizing evidence for an Indiana injury claim may also help you understand why complete records matter.
Be careful about giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before you understand your options. The firm's guide to insurance requests for recorded statements and medical releases explains issues you may want to consider.
Why location matters in an Indiana wrongful death claim
The shooting happened outside a tavern on South Madison Avenue in Anderson, in Madison County. A civil case would usually be filed in the county where the injury happened or where a defendant lives.
A criminal case and a civil wrongful death claim are separate. A civil claim does not depend on how the criminal case ends. Indiana's wrongful death statutes, Indiana Code 34-23-1-1[2] and Indiana Code 34-23-1-2[3], address who may bring a claim. You can also review a plain-language explanation of Indiana wrongful death claims.
Most claims must be filed within two years under Indiana Code 34-11-2-4[4]. That period usually runs from the date of death, not from a trial or sentencing date. The Herald Bulletin did not report facts about security or alcohol service at the tavern, and this article does not suggest that the business is responsible.
How Delventhal Law Office can help
Delventhal Law Office, LLC is a personal injury law firm in Fort Wayne founded by attorney Chad E. Delventhal in 2009. The firm helps Indiana families understand how a civil wrongful death claim can proceed alongside a criminal case and which deadlines may apply. No outcome can be promised in any case.
If you have questions about a possible claim, you can read more about working with a Fort Wayne wrongful death attorney or request a free case evaluation.
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.
