Suspect wanted for triple murder and arson in Aberdeen is behind bars

A suspect wanted for a triple murder and arson in Aberdeen is behind bars.

Police on Tuesday revealed graphic details of how Michael Anthony Swann allegedly carried out the killings.

It was the morning of April 15 when police and fire crews were called for a second floor apartment burning at the Highland Commons complex on Roosevelt Avenue.

Inside they discovered the bodies of John C. Claytor, 54, Talaya D. Wiley, 48, and Melissa L. Williams, 45, each suffering from gunshot wounds to the head.

Investigators believe Claytor was asleep in the living room at the time he was shot to death.

Wiley also sustained significant burns all around her body. Detectives noticed the bedroom mattress she was laying on had been set on fire. Fortunately the complex's sprinkler system activated, potentially preventing the entire building from going up in flames.

Underneath Wiley's body was a cell phone, indicating she may have been trying to call for help at the time of her death.

There was also unique drug packaging found near Wiley's feet, which later helped police link Swann to the murder.

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Surveillance footage reportedly shows Swann hiding outside between some trees, just a few minutes before entering the complex.

Then four minutes before sprinklers go off inside the building, he's seen returning to the trees.

A police K-9 later found a lighter in the area along with a backpack.

Inside that backpack was a toothbrush, and similar drug packaging that was found by Wiley's body.

DNA analysis of the toothbrush returned a "high stringency match" with Swann.

A pair of shoes known to be worn by Swann were found too, according to police.

Turns out Swann was already wanted on a federal parole violation, and attempted murder in connection to a February 2024 shooting in Prince George’s County.

Charging documents suggest Swann and the victims knew each other, but didn't offer details.

Aberdeen Police