Man accused of attacking mother charged with attempted murder

A man accused in a near-fatal attack on his 83-year-old mother in Indio was charged today with attempted murder and other offenses.

Jeffrey Swaim, 61, was arrested around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the victim’s home in the 79800 block of Carmel Valley Drive, after police received a 911 call reporting a man had assaulted his mother and was walking around in front of the home with no clothes on, Indio Police Department spokesman Ben Guitron said.

Swaim’s mother had previously filed a restraining order against him, which he violated when he allegedly broke into her home and beat her to “near death,” according to a declaration filed by Indio police in support of increased bail.

When officers arrived at the house, they found Swaim in the backyard and arrested him without incident, according to Guitron.

Swaim’s mother was hospitalized with various injuries, including multiple lacerations and hematomas, according to police

In addition to attempted murder, Swaim is charged with burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, criminal threats, elder abuse and assault causing great bodily injury — all felonies — and a misdemeanor count of violating a restraining order.

Swaim pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at the Indio jail in lieu of $2 million bail. His next court date is a Sept. 17 felony settlement conference.

KESQ 2019