Omaha man arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder in killing of woman
From the What you missed this week in notable Omaha crimes and court cases series
- Molly Ashford World-Herald Staff Writer
- Updated Mar 20, 2025
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A 28-year-old Omaha man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of being an accessory to murder and fleeing from police after a Wednesday night shooting that left a 19-year-old woman dead.
Dontayzhia Swift, 19, was shot and killed shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday near 37th Street and Grand Avenue. Police were initially called to the area on reports of multiple ShotSpotter activations and, upon arriving in the area, saw a white Chevrolet Tahoe fleeing from the scene.
Devers
Officers with the Omaha Police Department’s Gang Unit initiated a pursuit, and the Tahoe fled from officers. The pursuit ended after occupants ran from the vehicle near 41st and Spalding Streets.
As the pursuit was ongoing, other officers were alerted to a woman who had been shot and was unconscious. Swift was taken to the hospital with CPR in progress. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
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Two people — now identified as 28-year-old Markel Devers and an unnamed 16-year-old boy — were taken into custody after the pursuit. Devers was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder and fleeing to avoid arrest, though the exact nature of his involvement is unknown.
The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of multiple gun charges, but police are not yet sure whether he was involved in the homicide.
Dontayzhia is the second member of the Swift family to be shot and killed in a matter of days. La’Marintae Swift, 16, was fatally shot during a birthday party near 24th and Decatur Streets early Sunday morning. Police confirmed that the two are related and they are investigating to see whether the killings are connected.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact OPD’s Homicide Unit at 402-444-5656, anonymously contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP, at omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Anonymous tips leading to the arrest of a homicide suspect are eligible for a $25,000 reward.
In this Series
What you missed this week in notable Omaha crimes and court cases
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Oct 1, 2023
Teen killed, seven others injured in two separate Omaha shooting incidents
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Oct 2, 2023
Texas man accidentally shot grandson at Lancaster County wedding, deputy says
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Oct 2, 2023
16-year-old killed in Sunday morning shooting identified as Omaha Burke High junior
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