Mother, son charged in relative's killing

HICKORY, N.C. — A mother and son charged in the homicide of a Catawba County woman could face very different sentences if ever convicted.

On Wednesday, prosecutors said they plan on seeking the death penalty against the son but not the mother.

Allen Lane still can't believe someone killed his neighbor, Diane Swink, inside her home.

He looked after the 66-year old woman who had to use a wheelchair at times to get around.

"I believe it was premeditated, it was planned and it was sinister,” Lane said.

Police arrested Diane Swink's niece, Tina Swink, and her son, Micky Swink, in the days after the homicide.

Investigators said Diane Swink's SUV was stolen after she died from a "sharp force injury to the neck."
Police later found the stolen SUV at a Food Lion.

Surveillance cameras spotted Micky Swink walking into the store, according to court documents.

Neighbors said Diane Swink allowed her niece to stay at her home in the past but told her to move out after noticing items missing.

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