On November 30, 2021, 52-year-old Steven Smolensky, a retired deputy sheriff from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, was tragically killed in Weirsdale, Florida. Smolensky, who had served his community for 25 years, was working for Suburban Propane and was at a residence to deliver propane when the incident occurred. Upon arrival at the scene, Marion County sheriff’s deputies found Smolensky deceased, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed that Smolensky was confronted by Steven Alan Swearingen, a 38-year-old Weirsdale resident with a history of violent crimes against law enforcement. Swearingen, armed with a handgun, held Smolensky at gunpoint, preventing him from leaving or returning to his truck. Despite Smolensky's attempts to explain his purpose, Swearingen shot him multiple times.
Swearingen was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and false imprisonment. During his interrogation, Swearingen claimed he believed Smolensky was there to "fill the home with propane," which led him to confront Smolensky with a handgun. Swearingen recounted that when Smolensky tried to return to his truck, he held him at gunpoint before shooting him multiple times. Swearingen was subsequently booked without bond at the Marion County Jail.
The legal proceedings against Swearingen culminated in a trial that began on July 30, 2024. On August 3, 2024, Swearingen was found guilty by a jury of second-degree murder in the death of Steven Smolensky. The trial highlighted Swearingen's extensive criminal history and his violent tendencies towards law enforcement. The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorneys Adam Smith, Katrina Self, and Kevin Steiniger, emphasized the senseless nature of the crime and the impact on Smolensky's family and community. The jury's verdict was seen as a significant step towards justice for Smolensky and his loved ones.
In November 2024, Swearingen was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Steven Smolensky. The sentencing brought some measure of closure to Smolensky's family and colleagues, who remembered him as a dedicated public servant. The case underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The collaboration between the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office was instrumental in securing Swearingen's conviction and ensuring that justice was served.
