Former Xavier recruit Melvin Swift shot and killed

[TUclutch]

http://abc13.com/news/former-yates-basketball-star-fatally-shot-possibly-during-burglary/1140877/

Not a ton of details, but sounds like he was part of a burglary. Tragic story.

[Masterofreality]

Hence one of the reasons why X, and probably others, stopped recruiting him.

Sorry, but not really tragic. Kid was obviously an idiot. What would be tragic would be if Swift was shot and killed in a drive by when he was an innocent bystander. Being shot and killed when you're burglarizing a house after a break-in is not.

[xukeith]

Remember X is not a clean heavenly place either.
Recruits, players and others have committed crimes (murder, theft). Albeit a very minority.
Sad for that young man. Prayers for repose of his soul and family/friends.

[Masterofreality]

Remember X is not a clean heavenly place either..

Not saying that it is, but anytime someone dies committing a crime against man, he risks having what happened here, happened. Tragic? No.

[STL_XUfan]

Tragic? No.

Watching someone waste their talent and opportunities to choose a darker path that ends in their ultimate demise, is surely a tragedy. All you can hope for at this point is that reality of his loss will deter someone else from making similar decisions.

[XfansinKy]

A four year old little girl goes in her room in her house to find a 6'8 stranger in it holding a knife.

[LadyMuskie]

Watching someone waste their talent and opportunities to choose a darker path that ends in their ultimate demise, is surely a tragedy. All you can hope for at this point is that reality of his loss will deter someone else from making similar decisions.

Completely agree. He threw his life away, and it was a life full of great potential which is what makes it tragic. I don't know his backstory or how he grew up, but I'm guessing that if he didn't have the best life growing up, basketball could have been his ticket out of that situation. He could have, potentially, provided himself and his family with a better life.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

He was at least a 3-star recruit, right?

[xufan2434]

He was at least a 3-star recruit, right?

He was a stud. I thought he was Top 100? A lot of people thought he was going to be the next Derrick Brown and possibly better

[Juice]

He was a stud. I thought he was Top 100? A lot of people thought he was going to be the next Derrick Brown and possibly better

He was a four star and top 100 but dropped big in the rankings after an update or two.

[XMuskieFTW]

He was a four star and top 100 but dropped big in the rankings after an update or two.

He was the #44 player in his class at one point. Not sure if it's when he committed to us or not.

[TUclutch]

Hence one of the reasons why X, and probably others, stopped recruiting him.

Sorry, but not really tragic. Kid was obviously an idiot. What would be tragic would be if Swift was shot and killed in a drive by when he was an innocent bystander. Being shot and killed when you're burglarizing a house after a break-in is not.

I didn't say I felt bad. But it is tragic. Its something that shouldn't have happened. Im not sure what lead to it, but from what I had heard during recruiting was he was a decent kid. He didn't end up in a D1 school, but basketball could have been a way for him to better his and his family's life like someone else mentioned.

[Roach]

Sorry, but not really tragic. Kid was obviously an idiot. What would be tragic would be if Swift was shot and killed in a drive by when he was an innocent bystander. Being shot and killed when you're burglarizing a house after a break-in is not.

"Tragic" is not an up or down, black or white question, but rather one of degree. An innocent person being murdered is certainly far more tragic than a young man squandering his talent, turning to crime, and ending up dead for it. Nevertheless, it is a tragedy that a young life, so full of promise, was wasted. It is generally a tragedy that he wasted his potential to contribute meaningfully to society; it is a tragedy more directly that his family and friends lost someone so young that they love on account of his despicable choices; and it is a tragedy specifically that a human soul threw away the precious gift that was his life.

Maybe that's a bit too preachy for you, and maybe you'll negative rep me for it. It's fine. I simply think every life is valuable and that it's sad when a young man forfeits his in the name of selfishness and violence. Lastly, based on the information in the article, it's clear that he grew up in a hardscrabble area of Houston without a father in the home. Even though an adult is ultimately responsible for his own choices, in terms of the love, support and guidance he received as a child, Melvin Swift deserved better. It's a tragedy that this has become such a common narrative for young men who grow up in urban poverty.

[Roach]

And now it seems there may be more to the story. Another account of what transpired suggests that he was at the house with the sister of the homeowner, and that said homeowner became irate when he found his sister romantically involved with Swift. Maybe take that with a grain of salt, but the DA has kept the investigation open and speculated that it could be months before any conclusions or charges. That alone suggests there is more to the story than a young girl finding a man with a knife in her bedroom.

COACH: EX-YATES BASKETBALL STAR WAS VICTIM, NOT A SUSPECT (http://abc13.com/news/coach-ex-yates-basketball-star-was-victim-not-a-suspect/1146002/)

[xeus]

Tragic? No.


"Tragic" is not an up or down, black or white question, but rather one of degree. An innocent person being murdered is certainly far more tragic than a young man squandering his talent, turning to crime, and ending up dead for it. Nevertheless, it is a tragedy that a young life, so full of promise, was wasted. It is generally a tragedy that he wasted his potential to contribute meaningfully to society; it is a tragedy more directly that his family and friends lost someone so young that they love on account of his despicable choices; and it is a tragedy specifically that a human soul threw away the precious gift that was his life.

Maybe that's a bit too preachy for you, and maybe you'll negative rep me for it. It's fine. I simply think every life is valuable and that it's sad when a young man forfeits his in the name of selfishness and violence. Lastly, based on the information in the article, it's clear that he grew up in a hardscrabble area of Houston without a father in the home. Even though an adult is ultimately responsible for his own choices, in terms of the love, support and guidance he received as a child, Melvin Swift deserved better. It's a tragedy that this has become such a common narrative for young men who grow up in urban poverty.

I'm going with "tragic and unnecessary loss of a promising young life". Good post Roach.

[XUMIOH12]

"Tragic" is not an up or down, black or white question, but rather one of degree. An innocent person being murdered is certainly far more tragic than a young man squandering his talent, turning to crime, and ending up dead for it. Nevertheless, it is a tragedy that a young life, so full of promise, was wasted. It is generally a tragedy that he wasted his potential to contribute meaningfully to society; it is a tragedy more directly that his family and friends lost someone so young that they love on account of his despicable choices; and it is a tragedy specifically that a human soul threw away the precious gift that was his life.

Maybe that's a bit too preachy for you, and maybe you'll negative rep me for it. It's fine. I simply think every life is valuable and that it's sad when a young man forfeits his in the name of selfishness and violence. Lastly, based on the information in the article, it's clear that he grew up in a hardscrabble area of Houston without a father in the home. Even though an adult is ultimately responsible for his own choices, in terms of the love, support and guidance he received as a child, Melvin Swift deserved better. It's a tragedy that this has become such a common narrative for young men who grow up in urban poverty.

agreed

[IM4X]

"Tragic" is not an up or down, black or white question, but rather one of degree. An innocent person being murdered is certainly far more tragic than a young man squandering his talent, turning to crime, and ending up dead for it. Nevertheless, it is a tragedy that a young life, so full of promise, was wasted. It is generally a tragedy that he wasted his potential to contribute meaningfully to society; it is a tragedy more directly that his family and friends lost someone so young that they love on account of his despicable choices; and it is a tragedy specifically that a human soul threw away the precious gift that was his life.

Maybe that's a bit too preachy for you, and maybe you'll negative rep me for it. It's fine. I simply think every life is valuable and that it's sad when a young man forfeits his in the name of selfishness and violence. Lastly, based on the information in the article, it's clear that he grew up in a hardscrabble area of Houston without a father in the home. Even though an adult is ultimately responsible for his own choices, in terms of the love, support and guidance he received as a child, Melvin Swift deserved better. It's a tragedy that this has become such a common narrative for young men who grow up in urban poverty.

Very nice post Roach.

It certainly is sad that he lost his life and thus will never have a chance in this world of creating a better tomorrow for himself or others.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Very nice post Roach.

It certainly is sad that he lost his life and thus will never have a chance in this world of creating a better tomorrow for himself or others.

I agree with you 100% but as Catholics arnt we to believe that he is in a better place? So if that's true then there is nothing sad about him not having to create a better tomorrow for himself. It sounds like he already did, right?

[UCGRAD4X]

I agree with you 100% but as Catholics arnt we to believe that he is in a better place? So if that's true then there is nothing sad about him not having to create a better tomorrow for himself. It sounds like he already did, right?

We do not know the disposition of his soul at the time of his demise - he may not necessarily be in a better place. As Catholics, Christians or just people of good will, we would certainly hope that he rests in peace.

[Juice]

Dana and Victory tweeted this earlier today, thought I'd share. It's an update/story on Melvin at junior college and his death.
http://www.houstonpress.com/news/we-may-never-know-what-happened-the-night-melvin-swift-was-shot-dead-8407094

[gladdenguy]

Wow. Thanks Juice. Great read. Public reps.

[Woodburn]

Dana and Victory tweeted this earlier today, thought I'd share. It's an update/story on Melvin at junior college and his death.
http://www.houstonpress.com/news/we-may-never-know-what-happened-the-night-melvin-swift-was-shot-dead-8407094

But wait, Masterofreality has already ruled that that this kid was an idiot. I am sure he has some intimate factual knowledge the rest of us don't.

[xukeith]

It is tragic that many youths cannot get out of poverty and are in a cycle of hopelessness and crime. It is nothing new for past 40-50 years. It seems to get worse.

No valuing education, respect for teachers, few fathers without criminal backgrounds.

And this episode of a burglary and death is sad. Glad victims were not hurt but Swift was in a tragic situation with no education and a child.
Pray for repose of his sole.

[birdman71]

"Tragic" is not an up or down, black or white question, but rather one of degree. An innocent person being murdered is certainly far more tragic than a young man squandering his talent, turning to crime, and ending up dead for it. Nevertheless, it is a tragedy that a young life, so full of promise, was wasted. It is generally a tragedy that he wasted his potential to contribute meaningfully to society; it is a tragedy more directly that his family and friends lost someone so young that they love on account of his despicable choices; and it is a tragedy specifically that a human soul threw away the precious gift that was his life.

Maybe that's a bit too preachy for you, and maybe you'll negative rep me for it. It's fine. I simply think every life is valuable and that it's sad when a young man forfeits his in the name of selfishness and violence. Lastly, based on the information in the article, it's clear that he grew up in a hardscrabble area of Houston without a father in the home. Even though an adult is ultimately responsible for his own choices, in terms of the love, support and guidance he received as a child, Melvin Swift deserved better. It's a tragedy that this has become such a common narrative for young men who grow up in urban poverty.

Absolutely, Roach!

[blueblob06]

Great article. We'll probably never know what really happened that day. I could totally believe that the homeowner freaked out when they saw someone in their house and shot them. Then, they panicked, and added a kitchen knife to the scene and made up a story for police.

[Juice]

Great article. We'll probably never know what really happened that day. I could totally believe that the homeowner freaked out when they saw someone in their house and shot them. Then, they panicked, and added a kitchen knife to the scene and made up a story for police.

It doesn't matter if you shoot and kill someone in your home in most states, and especially Texas. He wouldn't have to plant a knife.

[blueblob06]

It doesn't matter if you shoot and kill someone in your home in most states, and especially Texas. He wouldn't have to plant a knife.

It would make Swift sound more like himself and less like a criminal though if he didn't have a weapon...

[SemajParlor]

"Tragic" is not an up or down, black or white question, but rather one of degree. An innocent person being murdered is certainly far more tragic than a young man squandering his talent, turning to crime, and ending up dead for it. Nevertheless, it is a tragedy that a young life, so full of promise, was wasted. It is generally a tragedy that he wasted his potential to contribute meaningfully to society; it is a tragedy more directly that his family and friends lost someone so young that they love on account of his despicable choices; and it is a tragedy specifically that a human soul threw away the precious gift that was his life.

Maybe that's a bit too preachy for you, and maybe you'll negative rep me for it. It's fine. I simply think every life is valuable and that it's sad when a young man forfeits his in the name of selfishness and violence. Lastly, based on the information in the article, it's clear that he grew up in a hardscrabble area of Houston without a father in the home. Even though an adult is ultimately responsible for his own choices, in terms of the love, support and guidance he received as a child, Melvin Swift deserved better. It's a tragedy that this has become such a common narrative for young men who grow up in urban poverty.

A refreshing post to see around here these days.

"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent." - A Bronx Tale

[XUFan09]

It would make Swift sound more like himself and less like a criminal though if he didn't have a weapon...
Technically, he would still be a criminal, but I know what you mean. One is an impulsive kid trying to find a stupid way to get some money for his kid. It's not okay at all, but still. The other is someone willing to do violence or even kill someone in that act.

By the way, don't the castle laws vary? Isn't it often the case that if the invader is trying to flee, a homeowner loses the right to kill, because he or she is no longer defending the home? Of course, I imagine Texas is on the more extreme end of the spectrum.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[XU 87]

Great article. We'll probably never know what really happened that day. I could totally believe that the homeowner freaked out when they saw someone in their house and shot them. Then, they panicked, and added a kitchen knife to the scene and made up a story for police.

Do you think they also made up the part about him being in their house, or do you think they knocked him over the head and carried him in there?

Sorry, but these people got robbed and now you're posting about them (the victims) possibly murdering Melvin and then planting evidence to cover up their crime, without any evidence whatsoever to support your speculation. If there is evidence of this cover up, it should be disclosed. But this article does a disservice to the victims making these type of insinuations without any evidence in support.

[blueblob06]

Do you think they also made up the part about him being in their house, or do you think they knocked him over the head and carried him in there?

Sorry, but these people got robbed and now you're posting about them (the victims) possibly murdering Melvin and then planting evidence to cover up their crime, without any evidence whatsoever to support your speculation. If there is evidence of this cover up, it should be disclosed. But this article does a disservice to the victims making these type of insinuations without any evidence in support.

All I was saying is that sometimes people don't think straight when they have a gun so maybe they made a bad decision and shot a guy who was running away. Maybe they didn't. Maybe he attacked them with a knife and that warranted shooting him. We'll never know. I don't know if I was speculating anything, just that I could believe any of a number of scenarios could have happened.