In a deeply unsettling case that shook the Northeast D.C. community, 48-year-old Wyatt Swan has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his wife, Teresa Francisco. The sentencing, which took place in D.C. Superior Court, marks the conclusion of a case that highlighted both the tragedy of domestic violence and the coordinated effort of multiple law enforcement agencies to bring justice to the victim’s family.
A Devastating Incident That Began at Home
The incident occurred on October 1, 2024, beginning within the couple’s shared apartment and tragically ending in a nearby parking lot. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, what started as a domestic dispute quickly escalated when Swan chased down Francisco and fatally shot her outside their home.
The violent scene unfolded in front of stunned community members, leaving the neighborhood reeling from the loss and the horrifying nature of the act. Witnesses recalled the panic and chaos that followed, as emergency responders arrived and began their investigation into what would soon be classified as a second-degree murder while armed.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the shooting, Swan fled the scene, sparking an immediate manhunt across D.C. and neighboring jurisdictions. With the support of the Prince George’s County Police Department, law enforcement was able to locate and arrest him the next day.
His guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed helped avoid a prolonged trial but did not lessen the severity of his punishment. In court, prosecutors described the brutal sequence of events and Swan’s intent, which left little doubt about the danger he posed.
The sentence, delivered by Honorable Judge Jason Park, includes five additional years of supervised release following the 24-year prison term. It reflects the gravity of the crime and the irreparable harm done to the victim’s loved ones and community.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The case was a model of interagency cooperation. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith both praised the teamwork between the MPD and Prince George’s County Police, whose swift action led to Swan’s capture.
The Metropolitan Police Department conducted the primary investigation, collecting forensic evidence and witness testimony, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office pursued aggressive prosecution to ensure justice was served.
“This sentence reflects our shared commitment to holding violent offenders accountable,” said Pirro. “No one should ever fear being hurt or killed by someone they love and trust.”
Prosecutorial Efforts
Special recognition was given to Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Evans, who handled the prosecution and played a key role in ensuring a successful resolution. Evans’s work in court helped present a compelling case that ultimately led to Swan’s conviction and sentencing.
Evans outlined the timeline of events, emphasized the premeditated nature of the killing, and provided the court with a comprehensive view of the impact the crime had on the victim’s family and the broader community.
A Tragic Reminder of Domestic Violence
This case serves as yet another painful reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, an issue that continues to affect families across the nation. Advocates hope that Teresa Francisco’s story will raise awareness and encourage individuals in similar situations to seek help before it’s too late.
Organizations across Washington, D.C., have expressed support for the victim’s family and have reiterated the importance of early intervention, education, and community-based support systems to prevent similar tragedies.
Community Healing and Moving Forward
While the sentence brings a form of legal closure, the emotional wounds remain fresh. Community leaders in Northeast D.C. are working to support those affected, especially in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred.
Mental health counselors, community outreach workers, and local officials have come together to offer services and create safe spaces for dialogue around violence in relationships. The tragedy has also led to renewed calls for increased funding and visibility for domestic abuse prevention programs.
Final Thoughts
Wyatt Swan’s sentencing marks the end of a heartbreaking chapter for the D.C. community, but it also underscores the importance of vigilance, community support, and the rule of law in addressing acts of intimate partner violence.
With continued public education, robust law enforcement collaboration, and support for survivors, advocates hope to prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Teresa Francisco’s life — a life taken far too soon, and mourned by many.
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