Son Pleads Guilty in Brutal Killing of Father in Marysville

MARYSVILLE — Union County Prosecutor David Phillips announced Friday that Micaiah Immanuel Swindler (28) has entered guilty pleas to Aggravated Murder and Felonious Assault in the Union County Court of Common Pleas.

The charges stem from the April 21, 2025, homicide of the defendant’s 59-year-old father at his home in Marysville. Evidence in the case established that the defendant fatally attacked the victim with an 11-inch dagger, causing multiple sharp force injuries. Forensic examiners determined the victim suffered 36 knife wounds, including several apparent defensive wounds. Swindler is alleged to have first attacked his father in his bedroom and then inflicted a fatal stab wound after the man went into the attached bathroom.

Following the murder, Swindler admitted to police that he had cooked a steak, the remnants of which were found in Swindler’s bedroom by police. Afterwards, Swindler called 911 and reported that he had killed his father, claiming “God told me to.”

As a result of the guilty plea to Aggravated Murder, Swindler faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Sentencing in this matter has been scheduled for May 8, 2026, before Judge Don W. Fraser.

“This was a brutal and senseless act of violence,” Prosecutor Phillips stated. “The guilty plea ensures that the defendant will be held accountable for his crimes and the community will be protected.”

The case was investigated by the Marysville Division of Police, with assistance from forensic and medical professionals, including BCI and the Montgomery and Union County Coroner’s Offices.