Nov 06, 2023

Kan. felon sentenced for killing at backyard gathering

Posted Nov 06, 2023 5:55 PM
Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County
Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon found guilty of a deadly shooting at a backyard family gathering is going to prison.

On Friday, Judge Seth Rundel sentenced 43-year-old Michael Swinney to 23 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2021,  police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.  In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.  EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH
Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH

The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and  Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.  A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and  Swinney fled the scene.

Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita.