Faye Swetlik Investigative Summary

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The document details an investigation into the disappearance and death of a 6-year-old girl named Faye Swetlik. Multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation.

Faye Swetlik was last known to be wearing a black shirt with neon accents, a skirt with a red floral pattern, and polka dot rain boots.

Faye Swetlik was reported missing by her mother Selena Collins at approximately 4:55 PM on February 10, 2020.

Cayce Department of Public Safety

“Inspiring Excellence”

INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
July 2nd 2021
TO: File 20-02016
FROM: Investigator William Dougall

RE: Death Investigation (Child Fatality)


Swetlik, Faye (Victim)
Taylor, Coty (Suspect)

COUNTY: Lexington

Introduction

The following is a summary of the investigation into the disappearance and death of Faye Swetlik. This
investigation originated as a missing person investigation on 2/10/2020 when Faye Swetlik could not be
located by family, friends, or law enforcement. This investigation transitioned into a homicide
investigation when Faye Swetlik’s body was located on 2/13/2020. This investigation was assigned to
Investigator (Inv) William Dougall who is assigned to the Cayce Department of Public Safety (Cayce DPS)
Criminal Investigations Division. At the request of Cayce DPS, assistance from local, state, and federal
entities was received. Assisting agencies included, but were not limited to, Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD), and South
Carolina Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 (SCTF-1).

Summary of Preliminary Investigation


On 2/10/2020, Cayce DPS Patrol Division responded to 16 Londonderry Square, Cayce, South Carolina for
a call for service in which Faye Swetlik, a six-year-old female, was reported as missing. The Cayce DPS
incident report (Attachment 1 Cayce) indicated that the call for service was dispatched at 4:57 PM and the
first officer arrived on-scene at 5:00 PM. The complainant, Selena Collins who is the mother of Faye
Swetlik, stated that Faye Swetlik was last seen near the front porch of the residence at approximately 3:45
PM. Selena Collins stated that she remained inside the residence while Faye Swetlik played outside. Selena
Collins stated that at approximately 4:20 PM, she could no longer hear noise consistent with Faye Swetlik
playing and she exited the residence to investigate; she was unable to locate Faye Swetlik. Selena Collins
searched the neighborhood and enlisted the assistance of her neighbors and friends in that search. Faye
Swetlik was last known to be wearing a black shirt with neon accents, a skirt with a red floral pattern, and
polka dot rain boots. When the initial search was unable to locate Faye Swetlik, Selena Collins contacted
911 for assistance at approximately 4:55 PM. Selena Collins’ call for service was documented by 911 audio
recordings and CAD reports (Attachments 2 and 3 Cayce).
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Cayce DPS officers arrived at the incident location and initiated a search of 16 Londonderry Square and
the surrounding area shortly after their arrival. Inv William Dougall arrived at approximately 5:30 PM and
assumed the role of on-scene investigator. Sergeant (Sgt) Cal Thomas (Cayce DPS) began supervising the
investigation and coordinating investigative actions from Cayce DPS Headquarters. When the initial search
was unsuccessful in locating Faye Swetlik, Cayce DPS officers called for additional resources and expanded
the search area. Resources that responded included multiple K-9 tracking teams, local firefighters to
conduct a grid search, and a SLED helicopter. A coordinated air and ground search was conducted. Law
enforcement officers conducted consensual searches of nearby residences in an attempt to locate Faye
Swetlik. This search failed to locate Faye Swetlik or uncover any evidence that would assist in determining
her location.
Lieutenant (Lt) David Hoffman (Cayce DPS), along with Inv Dougall interviewed and
who live near 16 Londonderry Square. stated that he observed Faye Swetlik in the parking lot
of the townhomes between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. stated that approximately 4:00 PM he
observed Faye Swetlik playing in the parking lot of Londonderry Square. last saw Faye Swetlik
running behind and around the townhome complex and running towards the fence line of NAPA Auto
Parts.
At approximately 6:30 PM, Inv Dougall established a crime scene at 16 Londonderry Square. A crime
scene log (Attachment 4 FBI) was established. Selena Collins provided Inv Dougall consent to enter her
residence and photograph its condition. Inv Dougall photographed the residence and did not locate any
readily apparent evidence that would assist in locating Faye Swetlik or suggest what caused her
disappearance.
Selena Collins and Carter Arcand were questioned by law enforcement on several occasions during the
initial phases of the investigation. Selena Collins was first interviewed by Public Safety Officer (PSO)
Jonathan Carswell when he first responded to the incident. Inv William Dougall conducted a second
interview of Selena Collins upon his arrival. As the evening progressed, Captain (Cpt) Derrick Horton (SLED)
conducted an additional interview of Selena Collins in the presence of Deputy Chief John Jones (Cayce
DPS) and Inv. Wiliam Dougall. The interview conducted by Cpt Derrick Horton was recorded on Cpl
Fournier’s (Cayce DPS) body worn camera (Attachment 5 Cayce BWC).
As the scope of the investigation increased, Cayce DPS Director Byron Snellgrove requested assistance
from the Federal Bureau of Investigation at approximately 6:00 PM. Agents from the Columbia Field Office
immediately responded; additional resources were alerted to respond if Faye Swetlik was not promptly
located. Upon the arrival of FBI agents at the incident location, follow-up interviews were conducted with
Selena Collins and Carter Arcand. Carter Arcand lived at 16 Londonderry Square and is Selena Collins’
boyfriend. The interview of Selena Collins was conducted by Inv William Dougall and Special Agent (SA)
Jacquelyn Hamelryck (FBI). This interview was audio recorded (Attachment 6 Cayce). Selena Collins’
statements were consistent with the information she provided to law enforcement during the previous
interviews conducted that night. The interview was documented in the Cayce DPS Incident Report and in a
FD-302 (Attachment 7 FBI).
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Inv Doug Bramlett (Cayce DPS) and SA Brandon Lackey (FBI) conducted an interview with Carter Arcand.
The interview of Carter Arcand was audio recorded (Attachment 8 FBI). Carter Arcand stated that he
works for an electrical company and spent the day at a job site in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Carter
Arcand stated that he returned from the job site to his company’s office near the Owens Field airport at
approximately 4:10 PM. At approximately 4:15, Carter Arcand left his employer’s office and returned to 16
Londonderry Square by driving through the Olympia neighborhood. While driving home, Selena Collins
called Carter Arcand and informed him that Faye Swetlik was missing. Carter Arcand directed Selena
Collins to begin searching for Faye Swetlik. Carter Arcand stated that he was delayed by a train and made a
stop at a convenience store during his commute home. Carter Arcand stated that he arrived at his
residence at approximately 4:40 PM and learned from Selena Collins that Faye Swetlik had not been
located. Carter Arcand directed Selena Collins to call 911. The interview was documented in the Cayce DPS
Incident Report and in a FD-302 (Attachment 9 FBI).
Investigators Note: During the ensuing investigation, substantial investigative resources were dedicated to
corroborating the whereabouts and timelines of Selena Collins and Cater Arcand. Extensive evidence,
including cell phone location data, video evidence, and witness statements supported the timelines that
Selena Collins and Carter Arcand provided to law enforcement.
Based upon the family dynamics, Chad Swetlik, was contacted by Inv William Dougall and Sgt Cal Thomas
via telephone. Chad Swetlik is Faye Swetlik’s biological father. Chad Swetlik stated that he was at his
residence in rural Rowan County North Carolina and he knew nothing of Faye Swetlik’s disappearance.
Later that night, representatives of the FBI contacted Chad Swetlik at his residence. Chad Swetlik
consented to a search of his residence and no evidence that connected him to the disappearance of Faye
Swetlik was found. An FBI FD-302 (Attachment 10 FBI) was completed to document Chad Swetlik’s
interview and the search of his residence.
Investigator’s Note: An analysis of Chad Swetlik’s cell phone location data was performed. That analysis
showed that Chad Swetlik’s phone connected to two cell towers in the vicinity of his residence during the
entire day of 2/10/2020. The analysis indicated that Chad Swetlik’s phone was not in the Cayce area when
Faye Swetlik’s disappearance occurred.
The search for Faye Swetlik continued into the early morning hours of 2/11/2020. Due to the incident’s
increasing scope, a command post was established at The City of Cayce Council Chambers. A dedicated
telephone tip line was established, and that number was provided to the public. The FBI deployed a
regional Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team (CARD) to assist in the investigation. SA James Granozio
(FBI) of the Charlotte Field Office served as the CARD Team liaison to Cayce DPS. SA Granozio arrived at
the command post at approximately midnight on 02/11/2020.
Selena Collins, Carter Arcand, and Ruth Collins agreed to accompany law enforcement officers to Cayce
DPS Headquarters. Ruth Collins is the mother of Selena Collins and grandmother of Faye Swetlik. While at
Cayce DPS Headquarters, Selena Collins, Carter Arcand, and Ruth Collins provided voluntary written
statements (Attachments 11, 12, 13 FBI). These statements were provided around midnight on
2/11/2020.
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Selena Collins and Carter Arcand provided law enforcement with their cell phones for forensic
examination. Selena Collins and Carter Arcand provided written consent to search their phones
(Attachments 14, 15 Cayce).
Investigator’s Note: Analysis of Selena Collins’ phone and Carter Arcand’s phones revealed no evidence that
would connect them to the disappearance of Faye Swetlik. An analysis of these phones also showed no
known links between Collins or Arcand, and Coty Taylor.
A hotel room was obtained for the family with State Office of Victim’s Assistance funds due to the fact
that 16 Londonderry Square was being maintained as a crime scene. Law enforcement escorted Selena
Collins and Carter Arcand to the hotel room shortly after midnight.

Summary of Sustained Search and Investigation Operations


The FBI assisted Cayce DPS with developing strategies that would assist in locating Faye Swetlik. These
strategies included a neighborhood canvass, interviews with drivers entering or leaving the Churchill
Heights neighborhood, a system of assigning and tracking incoming leads, and strategies for interviewing
Selena Collins and Carter Arcand. These strategies were implemented in the early morning hours of
2/11/2020.
All residents of the Churchill Heights neighborhood were interviewed using a standardized interview
form. During the search operation, a total of 283 leads were received, triaged, and assigned for
investigation (Attachment 16 FBI). Information gained from the initial leads were used to develop further
investigative actions.
Teams of investigators began locating and archiving potential video evidence from businesses and
residences within Churchill Heights and in the vicinity of the neighborhood.
Investigator’s Note: Approximately 1 terabyte of video data was collected. This video did not have
immediate evidentiary value. The video was archived due to the fact that surveillance systems typically
purge recordings in a matter of days. The archived video made it possible for investigators to access the
video after it would have been purged and review it should the investigation necessitate that action.
SCTF-1 conducted a systematic and thorough grid search of the Churchill Heights neighborhood and the
surrounding wooded areas. This search was coordinated by Chad Beam of the South Carolina State Fire
Marshall’s Office.
SLED’s Aviation Unit conducted additional overflights of the search area.
On the morning of 2/11/2020, it was determined that Thursday 2/13/2020 was the next scheduled trash
collection date for Churchill Heights. The City of Cayce provides residential trash services within the city.
Individual business contract with third party collection companies. Commercial dumpsters had been
emptied by private companies on Airport Boulevard overnight. The command post coordinated that the
refuse from the commercial dumpsters be quarantined and it was subsequently searched by SCTF-1. Plans
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were made to search residential roll carts in Churchill Heights that were left on the curb for collection on
2/13/2020.
The search operations were unable to locate Faye Swetlik or evidence that would assist in locating her.

Summary of Interviews of Selena Collins and Carter Arcand


On 2/11/2020, FBI agents began detailed interviews of Selena Collins and Carter Arcand. The results of
these interviews were insufficient to exclude the possibility of Selena Collins or Carter Arcand being
involved in the disappearance of Faye Swetlik (Attachments 17, 18 FBI).
Near the end of Selena Collins’ interview, she made unusual statements. Selena Collins indicated that
based upon her “mother’s intuition” she could lead law enforcement to the likely area of Faye Swetlik’s
location. Selena Collins was shown a map of the Churchill Heights neighborhood and indicated that Faye
would be located near Six Mile Creek. Selena Collins agreed to take law enforcement to the location where
she believed Faye Swetlik to be. Due to the fact that this revelation was made near sunset, it was
determined that Selena Collins would be permitted to accompany law enforcement into the woods on the
morning of 2/12/2020.
Investigator’s Note: The area of Six Mile Creek was extensively searched by responding agencies on the
night Faye Swetlik was reporting missing. This search continued on 2/11/2020. The area was searched by
ground and air assets. No evidence of Faye Swetlik was found during the search operations of 2/10/2020 to
2/12/2020 in the area of Six Mile Creek.

Summary of Search of Six Mile Creek with Selena Collins


On 2/12/2020, Selena Collins was taken into the woods near Six Mile Creek. Selena Collins was
accompanied by SA Jacquelyn Hamelryck (FBI) and SA Tricia Stoner (SLED). A video recording of this event
was made (Attachment 19 SLED BWC).
The search of the woods with Selena Collins failed to locate Faye Swetlik or provide further evidence
connected to her disappearance.

Summary Search of Selena Collins’ and Carter Arcand’s Property


On 2/12/2020, SLED executed search warrants of 16 Londonderry Square, Cayce, South Carolina and
vehicles owned by Selena Collins and Carter Arcand.
SA Jazic (SLED) executed Cayce DPS Search Warrant 892 (Attachment 20 Cayce) at 16 Londonderry
Square. Property seized included one pillowcase with suspected blood, 7 swabs of suspected blood, and
digital photographs. The pillowcase was found in the home’s washing machine and appeared to be
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unwashed. The swabs of suspected blood were submitted to the SLED lab for analysis. SLED report L20-
01457 detailed the findings of the materials submitted for analysis.
Investigator’s Note: The blood on the pillowcase was forensically matched to Carter Arcand. No blood
associated with Faye Swetlik was found on the pillowcase. In a later interview, Selena Collins stated that
the blood on the pillowcase was due to an open sore on Carter Arcand’s face. Carter Arcand had laid his
head on the pillow causing the blood transfer. Selena Collins subsequently put the pillow case in the
washing machine to be washed but did not get the opportunity to do so because the residence was secured
as a crime scene.
All blood evidence from within the residence was attributed to Selena Collins, Carter Arcand, or Faye
Swetlik. SLED Crime Scene was unable to offer an opinion regarding if the quantity of blood found was
consistent with a location where a violent crime occurred or if the blood was consistent with biological
traces that would be found in any typically occupied residence.
SA Jazic executed Cayce DPS Search Warrant 893 (Attachment 21 Cayce) of a silver Volkswagen owned by
Carter Arcand. The Volkswagen displayed SC license plate . A total of 13 swabs of potential genetic
material were taken. No blood evidence was located in Carter Arcand’s vehicle.
SA Jazic executed Cayce DPS Search Warrant 894 (Attachment 22 Cayce) of a red Suzuki S4 owned by
Selena Collins. Evidence of blood was found in Selena Collins’ vehicle. Ten swabs for DNA analysis were
taken. A DNA analysis concluded that the blood found in Selena Collins’ vehicle was most likely a
combination of blood from Selena Collins and Carter Arcand. The analysis concluded that it is unlikely that
Faye Swetlik’s blood was in the mixture of blood taken from the Suzuki S4.

Summary of Consensual Searches of 602 Piccadilly Square


On 2/12/2020, at approximately 11:15 AM, was interviewed by
at 602 Piccadilly Square.
stated that he lives at the townhouse with Coty Taylor. Coty Taylor was not present during the interview.
stated that he was at work at the time of Faye Swetlik’s disappearance and was unable to
provide any information that would assist in locating her. gave law enforcement consent to
search the residence. A laundry bag was observed to be in a closet built underneath the stairwell of the
townhouse. Law enforcement did not manipulate or further examine the laundry bag. Based upon the
lighting conditions, the laundry bag appeared to be black. The interview with and the location
of the laundry bag was recorded on a body worn camera (Attachment 23 CPD BWC). The interview of
was documented on a “Neighborhood Investigation Form” (Attachment 24 FBI). The interviewing
officers documented their contact with with a FD-302 (Attachment 25 FBI).
Investigator’s Note: At the time of the consensual search, there was nothing overtly suspicious regarding
the laundry bag and no evidence that made 602 Piccadilly Square notable from other residences in the
Churchill Heights Neighborhood. After the death of Coty Taylor and execution of a search warrant at 602
Piccadilly Square on 2/13/2020, it was found that the laundry bag had significant evidentiary value. The
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body camera video of the consensual search conducted at 602 Piccadilly Square was obtained and
reviewed after Coty Taylor was found deceased at the residence.
At approximately 5:45 PM, members of the investigative team returned to 602 Piccadilly Square. They
conducted an interview of Coty Taylor and The investigative team was led by SA Justin
Newson (FBI). indicated that he was previously interviewed by law enforcement. Coty Taylor
stated that he was at the residence between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM on the day that Faye Swetlik
disappeared. Coty Taylor stated that he was asleep during the time of Faye Swetlik’s disappearance.
stated that he was at work when Faye Swetlik disappeared. Coty Taylor and consented
to a second search of their residence; nothing related to Faye Swetlik’s disappearance was found. This
contact was documented with a “Neighborhood Investigation Form” (Attachment 26 FBI). The FBI
generated a FD-302 (Attachment 27 FBI) that further documented their interaction with Coty Taylor and
on the afternoon of 2/12/2020.
Investigator’s Note: Several agencies assisted Cayce DPS with this investigation and the neighborhood
canvass. There is no uniform statewide policy regarding the use of body worn cameras. Due to this lack of
uniformity, some investigators were equipped with and utilized body worn cameras while others did not.
Investigator’s Note: and Coty Taylor are both employed at Wing Stop located at 2303 Dreher
Road. Pay and scheduling records from the business (Attachment 28 Cayce) show that was
working at the time of Faye Swetlik’s disappearance. Coty Tayor was not scheduled to work on 2/10/2020.
As part of this investigation, whereabouts were established, and it was determined that he
was not in the Churchill Heights neighborhood at the time of Faye Swetlik’s disappearance.

Summary Search of Roll Carts Left for Collection on 2/13/2020


On 2/13/2020, an organized collection of roll carts in the Churchill Heights neighborhood began. Roll
carts left on the curb for collection were collected by the City of Cayce Sanitation Department. Prior to the
contents of each roll cart being compacted, the refuse was examined by law enforcement with the
assistance of personnel provided by several local fire departments.
A roll cart was emptied from a bank of roll carts stored in the 600 Piccadilly Square townhome complex.
The roll cart contained a child’s polka dot rain boot, a ladle with dirt that appeared to be freshly dug, a
Crofton brand knife with dirt, and a brown blanket. The rain boot was similar to the rain boot that Faye
Swetlik was described as wearing when she was last seen. Items collected from the roll cart were later
submitted to SLED’s lab for forensic analysis including DNA testing. The results of the DNA testing are
reported in the “Summary of DNA Evidence” section of this report.

Summary Discovery of Faye Swetlik’s Body


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On 2/13/2020, Cayce DPS Director Byron Senllgrove chose to search the wooded area behind the
Piccadilly Square apartments after the discovery of the ladle and fresh dirt in the trashcan. Director
Snellgrove believed the area to be a possible burial site based upon the presence of digging tools, the
location of the trashcan, and the geography of the neighborhood. Director Snellgrove initiated that search
almost immediately after the roll cart with suspicious items were found. After a brief search, Director
Snellgrove located an area of freshly disturbed dirt with a child’s rain boot nearby. The boot matched the
style and pattern of the boot recovered from the trashcan. The area of disturbed dirt was found to be a
shallow grave with a child’s body partially exposed. The body was later identified as Faye Swetlik. Faye
Swetlik was wearing clothing that matched the clothing that Selena Collins described Faye Swetlik as
wearing just prior to her disappearance. Faye Swetlik was buried within 200 feet of 602 Piccadilly Square.
The burial site was within 300 feet of 16 Londonderry Square.
A crime scene was established, and SLED’s crime scene unit responded to the location. The grave was
excavated by law enforcement and coroner’s office personnel. It was noted that the grave contained dark
potting type soil. It was observed that Faye Swetlik had a white trash bag tied tightly around her neck. The
condition of Faye Swetlik’s body led Coroner Margaret Fisher to determine that Faye Swetlik had died at
approximately 8:00 PM on 2/10/2020 and that her body had been in the earthen grave for a matter of
hours.
On 2/14/2020, Faye Swetlik’s body was transported to MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina for a forensic
autopsy. Inv William Dougall, Inv Terrin Reel (Cayce DPS), SA Dalila Jazic (SLED), and representatives of the
Lexington County Coroner’s Office attended the autopsy. The autopsy determined that Faye Swetlik’s
cause of death was ligature strangulation from the trash bag tied around her neck (Attachment 29
Lexington County Coroner).
The death of Faye Swetlik was ruled to be a homicide by Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.
SA Dalila Jazic generated a crime scene report (Attachment 30 SLED) documenting her processing of
Selena Collins’ vehicle, Carter Arcand’s vehicle, the roll carts located at 600 Piccadilly Square, and the
processing of Faye Swetlik’s burial site.

Summary Discovery of Coty Taylor’s Body


discovered the body of Coty Taylor nearly simultaneously to the discovery of Faye Swetlik’s
body. Coty Taylor was found on the rear patio of 602 Piccadilly Square, Cayce, South Carolina with an
obvious laceration to his neck. The address of 602 Piccadilly Square is within 200 feet of the site where
Faye Swetlik’s body was found. A bloody Crofton brand knife was located on the ground near Coty Taylor’s
body. A crime scene was established, and Cayce DPS initiated an investigation of the death of Coty Taylor.
Cayce DPS generated incident report 20-02127 (Attachment 31 Cayce) to document the investigation. SA
Kevin Blake (SLED) obtained a search warrant (Attachment 32 SLED) to conduct a search of 602 Piccadilly
Square.
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During an interview with law enforcement, stated that he and Coty Taylor were not
scheduled to work on 2/13/2020. and Coty Taylor had made prior arrangements to play video
games on that day. arrived at the apartment between 10:15 AM and 10:20 AM.
located Coty Taylor on the rear porch with a laceration to his neck. Due to the significant law enforcement
presence on Piccadilly Square (which is attributable to the discovery of evidence in the roll cart near
Taylor’s residence) verbally contacted law enforcement officers who were located near his
residence and did not place a 911 call. Law enforcement conducted two detailed interviews with
, these interviews are further described in the “Summary Interviews of section of this
report.
On 2/14/2020, Coty Taylor’s body was transported to MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina for a forensic
autopsy. Inv William Dougall, Inv Terrin Reel (Cayce DPS), and SA Dalila Jazic (SLED) attended the autopsy.
The autopsy was performed by Dr. Ellen Reemer. Coty Tayor’s cause of death was determined to be an
incised wound to the neck (Attachment 33 Lexington County Coroner).
Lexington County Margaret Fisher determined Coty Taylor’s death to be a suicide.

Summary Search of 602 Piccadilly Square on 2/13/2020


After the discovery of Coty Taylor’s body, SLED obtained a search warrant for 602 Piccadilly Square.
During the search of the residence, an empty box of Glad trash bags was found in a kitchen cabinet. These
bags were consistent in size and construction to the bag found tied around Faye Swetlik’s neck.
A Walmart receipt was located inside of the residence. The receipt was generated on 2/13/2020 at 7:10
AM. The Walmart where the purchases occurred is located at 2401 Augusta Road, West Columbia, South
Carolina. Items purchased included a garden trowel, potting soil, garden soil, and fertilizer (Attachment 34
Cayce). During the search of an exterior storage room attached to the 602 Piccadilly Square, several of the
gardening items listed on the Walmart receipt were found in the room. A 50-pound bag of potting soil was
nearly empty. There were no freshly tended plants or gardens found during the search of the residence.
No freshly placed potting soil was found at or near Coty Taylor’s residence.
The storage room contained an empty black laundry bag. During an interview with law enforcement,
identified the laundry bag as belonging to Coty Taylor. Based upon a review of the body worn
camera footage from the consensual search of 602 Piccadilly Square that occurred on the morning of
2/12/2020, Coty Taylor’s laundry bag appeared to be full and stored in an interior closet. Swabs from this
laundry bag were collected and submitted to SLED for DNA analysis.
Crofton brand knives were found during the search of the residence. This was the same brand of knife
found in the trash roll cart and patio near Coty Taylor’s body. Coty Taylor’s family members later stated
that they purchased a set of Crofton brand kitchen knives for Coty Taylor.
The Walmart receipt indicated that Coty Taylor had purchased Pop Tarts and gardening supplies. Pop Tart
wrappers were found in the roll cart along with the blanket, knife, ladle, and child’s rain boot.
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SA Jennifer Miller (SLED) and SA Russell Smigelski were assigned to process the crime scene at 602
Piccadilly Square. SA Miller generated a crime scene report (Attachment 35 SLED) documenting the crime
scene processing.

Summary of Video Evidence Recovered


Video from the Walmart located at 2401 Augusta Road, West Columbia was recovered by law
enforcement (Attachment 36 Cayce). This video showed Coty Taylor purchasing the items listed on the
receipt recovered from his residence.
Law enforcement recovered video from BTS Tire & Wheel Distributers located at 2255 Airport Boulevard.
BTS maintains a camera of their side parking lot. The Faye Swetlik burial site and woods behind Piccadilly
Square are visible from that camera recording. A review of the camera footage shows a light in the woods
in the early morning hours of 2/13/2020. It could not be determined if the light was a flashlight, reflection
of passing traffic, or another source. The video from 7:48 AM shows a figure wearing dark clothing
dumping material from a large bag onto the burial site of Faye Swetlik. The bag appeared to be the size of
a typical 50-pound bag of potting soil packaged for commercial sale. The substantial distance from the
camera to the burial site precluded the video from having sufficient resolution to allow for identification of
the person dumping soil at the burial site (Attachment 37 Cayce).

Summary Interview of
was identified as a Lyft driver who drove Coty Taylor from the Walmart (2401 Augusta Road)
to his residence 602 Piccadilly Square. On 2/13/2020, law enforcement contacted regarding
this investigation. Law enforcement informed that they were present to interview about a
customer without specifically mentioning Coty Taylor, Faye Swetlik, or Churchill Heights. told
investigators knew who law enforcement intended to question about based upon the customer’s
unusual behavior while in vehicle.
identified Coty Taylor from his SC DMV photograph that was shown to by law enforcement.
stated that Coty Taylor had multiple bags of gardening soil and related items when met him at
the Wal-Mart. attempted to discuss gardening with Taylor during the trip, but Taylor avoided
conversation. realized that Faye Swetlik was missing from Churchill Heights when entered the
neighborhood. asked Taylor if he knew the missing girl. Taylor responded by stating, “I don’t know”
several times and finally stated “I never met her before”. stated that Taylor appeared nervous and
made uncomfortable. The interview of was documented on an FBI FD-302 (Attachment 38
FBI).
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Summary Interviews of
On 2/13/2020, was interviewed at Cayce DPS Headquarters. The interview was conducted by
Sgt Cal Thomas (Cayce DPS), SA Lee Blackmon (SLED), and SA Kevin Conroy (FBI). This interview was audio
recorded (Attachment 39 Cayce). was advised of his Miranda rights by Sgt Thomas and waived
those rights.
stated that he saw Coty Taylor at approximately 6:00 PM on 2/12/2020 at 602 Piccadilly
Square. stated that he left 602 Piccadilly Square and spent the night of 2/12/2020 at his
girlfriend’s residence. stated he returned to 602 Piccadilly Square on 2/13/2020 at
approximately 10:15 AM to play video games with Coty Taylor. discovered Coty Taylor’s body
when he returned to the residence and notified nearby law enforcement.
stated that Coty Taylor had expressed feelings of depression to him. Coty Taylor had
discussed the cost of shotguns sold at Wal-Mart with his boss at Wing Stop. Coty Taylor’s mental state
appeared to decline when began spending less time at 602 Piccadilly Square and more time at
his girlfriend’s apartment. did not know Coty Taylor to have any current or past girlfriends.
stated that Coty Taylor had expressed suicidal ideations to him in the past.
provided background information related to Coty Taylor. stated that Coty Taylor
had a paid subscription to PornHub. was unsure of what type of pornography interested Coty
Taylor. stated that he did not know the passcode to unlock Coty Taylor’s cell phone.
stated that Coty Taylor was right hand dominate.
stated the attached storage room at the residence contained an outdoor grill.
could not recall any other property being stored in the storage room. stated that he had not
entered the storage room in several months before opening the storage room for law enforcement on
2/12/2020.
Investigator’s Note: The referenced storage room is where the gardening supplies and black laundry bag
were found during the search warrant execution at 602 Piccadilly Square on 2/13/2020.
provided a detailed description of his activities for the prior week. was working at
Wing Stop at the time of Faye Swetlik’s abduction. provided additional times and locations
that supported that he was not involved in Faye Swetlik’s abduction or murder.
Investigator’s Note: Additional follow-up investigation was conducted to compare the timeline given by
and facts known to law enforcement. Based upon witness interviews, DNA evidence, and video
evidence, no evidence supporting involvement in Faye Swetlik’s abduction or murder was
found.
SA Lee Blackmon informed that Faye Swetlik’s body had been recovered. was
asked if he observed any unusual behavior by Coty Taylor during the period of time that Faye Swetlik was
missing. stated that Coty Taylor had sprayed an odor eliminator throughout the residence
during the time that Faye Swetlik was missing. thought that Coty Taylor purchased the odor
eliminator after he informed him of the first law enforcement search of 602 Piccadilly Square. The odor
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eliminator was ostensibly to mask the odor of marijuana. Coty Taylor and frequently smoked
marijuana in the residence prior to and after the disappearance of Faye Swetlik. stated that
Coty Taylor had not used an odor eliminator in the residence prior to the Faye Swetlik’s disappearance.
stated that he never saw Faye Swetlik or her body. stated that he did not kidnap,
murder, or have anything to do with Faye Swetlik. stated that he did not kill Coty Taylor.
stated that he thought the deaths of Faye Swetlik and Coty Taylor were unrelated.
stated that he had never seen Faye Swetlik in any of his past experiences. stated that he
knows all of Coty Taylor’s friends and associates.
gave consent for law enforcement to search his vehicle and forensic examination of his
phone. A voluntary buccal swab was obtained from for DNA analysis.
On 2/21/2020 an additional interview of was conducted. The interview was recorded on a
body worn camera (Attachment 40 Cayce BWC).
timeline was reviewed and clarified during the interview.
Law enforcement showed several photographs that were taken from 602 Piccadilly Square.
identified a laundry bag in the living room as belonging to him was shown a picture of a
black laundry bag with an attached shoulder strap. stated that the laundry bag belonged to
Coty Taylor and was typically stored in Coty Taylor’s bedroom.
Investigator’s Note: The black laundry bag identified by as belonging to Coty Taylor was
depicted in law enforcement body worn camera footage as being located in the stairwell closet during the
consensual search of 602 Piccadilly Square that occurred the morning of 2/12/2020. This laundry bag
contained significant DNA evidence which is further described in the “Summary of DNA Evidence” section of
this report.
was shown photographs of kitchen utensils found in the kitchen of 602 Piccadilly Square.
identified the knives as “Crofton” brand and stated that they were purchased as a set.
was shown a picture of the ladle recovered from the roll cart. stated that the ladle may have
come from the residence’s stock of utensils. was shown a picture of Glad trash bags from the
residence, confirmed that this brand of trash bags was commonly used inside of the residence.
was emphatic that Coty Tayor had no interest in gardening and was unable to provide any
insight regarding an innocuous reason for Coty Tayor’s Wal-Mart purchases on the morning of 2/13/2020.
Coty Taylor rarely had discretionary money. noted that based upon the Wing Stop pay
schedule, Coty Taylor would have received a direct deposit overnight between 2/12/2020 and 2/13/2020.
This direct deposit occurred in the hours just prior to Coty Taylor making the purchases at Wal-Mart.
At the conclusion of the interview, discussed the strange smell at 602 Piccadilly Square during
the time that Faye Swetlik was missing. initially dismissed the smell as being a low-quality
deodorizer being used by Coty Taylor to conceal the smell of marijuana. stated that he, “had
never smelled a dead person before but there was something not right.” stated that Coty
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Taylor had never attempted to conceal the smell of marijuana at the residence in the past.
stated that in hindsight, he believed Coty Taylor was attempting to conceal, “the smell”.
stated that he feared being charged with possession of marijuana when he permitted the
consensual search of 602 Piccadilly Square. There was a smell of marijuana in the residence and based
upon the condition of the residence during the search of 2/13/2020, drug paraphernalia was in plain view.
Law enforcement officers explained to that due to the gravity of the situation, officers had no
interest or intent to pursue a misdemeanor drug charge. stated in a conversation with Coty
Taylor after the consensual search of the residence, he told Coty Taylor that law enforcement had shown
no interest in the use of marijuana at the residence.
Summary of DNA Evidence
Several pieces of evidence were examined at SLED’s laboratory (Attachment 41 SLED). Several DNA
connections were found between Coty Taylor and Faye Swetlik.
Items collected from the roll cart near 602 Piccadilly Square were analyzed. Items from the roll cart that
were submitted for DNA analysis included the brown blanket, the Crofton brand knife, the child’s rain
boot, and the ladle. Based upon the fact that the DNA samples were a mixture of multiple people’s DNA,
computer modeling (STRmix) was used to explore the likelihood ratios of the individuals who contributed
to the DNA mixtures.
The DNA analysis showed that there was “very strong support” that the ladle contained a mixture of Faye
Swetlik’s DNA and Coty Taylor’s DNA.
The handle of the clothes hamper was analyzed. A mixture of four individual's DNA were found in that
mixture. DNA belonging to Coty Tayor and Faye Swetlik was found. was found to be a lesser
contributor to the DNA mixture. The presence of DNA was expected as he resided at 602
Piccadilly Square where the clothes hamper was stored. DNA from an unknown individual was found to be
in the mixture; the unknown person contributed such a small amount of genetic material that it is unlikely
that they can ever be identified. Selena Collins' DNA was found to not be on the clothes hamper.
The interior of the black clothes hamper contained a mixture of Coty Taylor's and Faye Swetlik's DNA. No
DNA attributed to was found inside of the laundry bag.
The bloody knife found near Coty Taylor’s body at 602 Piccadilly Square was analyzed for DNA. A DNA
profile was developed, and it was determined that Coty Taylor was the sole contributor to that DNA
profile.
Several DNA swabs were taken from 16 Londonderry Square. The profiles developed from the swabs
matched those who reside at the residence. No DNA profiles matching Coty Taylor or were
found in the profiles developed from 16 Londonderry Square.
DNA profiles were developed from scrapings from the fingernails of Faye Swetlik's body. A profile
containing a mixture of three individuals was developed. Faye Swetlik and Coty Taylor were the major DNA
contributors to the profile. No DNA from Selena Collins was found in the DNA profile.
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Additional DNA analysis was documented in SLED’s DNA report. There were no other significant leads or
evidence developed from the DNA testing.

Summary of Forensic Examination of Coty Taylor’s Cell Phone


On 2/13/2020, Lieutenant (Lt) Britt Dove (SLED) attempted to conduct a forensic extraction of data from
Coty Taylor’s cell phone. Lt Britt Dove was unable to bypass the phone’s password. Lt Britt Dove explored
other resources to bypass the phone’s password but was unable to find anyone with that capability. Lt
Britt Dove documented his examination of the phone in a memorandum for record (Attachment 42 SLED).
On 4/2/2020, Cayce DPS obtained a search warrant 910 (Attachment 43 Cayce) to attempt extracting the
data from Coty Taylor’s cell phone using equipment located at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The phone was transported to GBI and attempts were made to extract the phone’s data. The technology
used by GBI was unable to bypass the phone’s password. GBI contacted the manufacturer of the
technology used to attempt the data extraction; per the manufacturer there are no known means of
bypassing the type of encryption used on Coty Taylor’s cellphone. A memorandum for record (Attachment
44 Cayce) was generated to document the second attempt to extract the data from Coty Taylor’s phone.

Summary of Forensic Examination of Electronic Devices Seized from Coty Taylor’s Residence
During the search warrant execution at 602 Piccadilly Square, several computer hard drives were seized
from within the residence. These hard drives were subsequently analyzed by the SLED’s Computer Crimes
Center (Attachment 45 SLED). This analysis gave insight into Coty Taylor’s computer gaming activities,
internet browsing history, and other computer activities but did not contain any direct evidence connected
with the crimes committed against Faye Swetlik. This analysis did not reveal any links between Coty Taylor
and Selena Collins, Carter Arcand, or Faye Swetlik.

Summary of Interview with Chad Swetlik


On 2/28/2020, Inv William Dougall conducted an interview with Chad Swetlik. Chad Swetlik stated that he
has lived in North Carolina for the previous three years. Chad Swetlik stated that his grandmother lives at
South Carolina. Chad Swetlik came to South Carolina during the search for
Faye Swetlik and spent much of his time at his grandmother’s residence. Chad Swetlik avoided leaving the
residence because he did not want to have contact with the media. Chad Swetlik stated that on 2/13/2020
he was at the residence between 12:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Chad Swetlik stated that he has never known Coty Taylor, or anyone else associated with 602
Piccadilly Square.
During this investigation, Chad Swetlik consented to a forensic examination of his cell phone. That
forensic examination was conducted by the FBI. That examination supported Swetlik’s timeline of events.
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and indicated that he was not involved in Faye Swetlik’s disappearance, death, or burial. The forensic
examination also found no links between Chad Swetlik and anyone associated with 602 Piccadilly Square
(Attachment 46 FBI).

Summary of Interview with


On 2/24/2020, Inv Terrin Reel (Cayce DPS) conducted an interview with
was a former roommate of Coty Taylor and moved out of the residence
approximately two years prior to Faye Swetlik’s disappearance. was able to provide
background information describing Coty Taylor’s social habits and acquaintances. was
unable to offer any information regarding the disappearance, death, or burial of Faye Swetlik.
stated that he did not know Faye Swetlik or Carter Arcand. stated he and
Selena Collins were in a 5th grade class together at White Knoll Elementary School. stated
that he has not been in contact with Selena Collins since elementary school.

Summary of Interview of
On 2/28/2020, Inv Terrin Reel conducted an interview with who is a former roommate of
Coty Taylor. was able to provide background information about Coty Taylor, but no
information directly pertaining to Faye Swetlik. did not know Faye Swetlik, Carter Arcand, or
Selena Collins.

Summary of Interview of
On 2/28/2020, Inv William Dougall conducted an interview of is an
employee of the Wal-Mart located at 2401 Augusta Road, West Columbia. is the
and was the sole employee working in the garden department on the morning of
2/13/2020. stated that Coty Taylor contacted him while in the gardening department at
approximately 7:00 AM. Coty Taylor stated that he was trying to establish a garden. Coty Taylor indicated
that he had minimal gardening experience and had not gardened since he was a child.
stated that Coty Taylor grabbed random seeds from a display and appeared to have no plan for his garden.
stated that Coty Taylor appeared to pick three bags of soil and fertilizer at random for his
garden. stated that Coty Taylor asked for directions to where he could find gardening tools.
stated that Coty Taylor spent approximately 20 minutes in the garden department.

Note Regarding Other Agency Documents


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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has provided copies of their reports to Cayce DPS. These reports
included a memorandum (Attachment 47 FBI) that noted, “This the property of the FBI and is loaned to
your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside of your agency”. The FBI requests that
any Freedom of Information Act requests for their documents be referred to their legal department.

Conclusions
This investigation was unable to determine if Faye Swetlik was abducted by force near her residence or
was lured to 602 Piccadilly Square by Coty Taylor. Coty Taylor asphyxiated Faye Swetlik within hours of
abducting her. Faye Swetlik’s body was likely concealed at Coty Taylor’s residence (602 Piccadilly Square)
until the morning of 2/13/2020. On 2/13/2020, Coty Taylor moved Faye Swetlik’s body to the woods
behind his residence and buried her remains in a shallow grave.
Law enforcement was unable to locate a suicide note or ascertain the specific reason(s) that Coty Taylor
committed suicide. Due to the fact that Coty Taylor is deceased, the State of South Carolina is unable to
pursue criminal charges against him.
This investigation was unable to establish convincing evidence that supports a hypothesis Coty Taylor had
any accomplices before, during, or after the crime.
This report will be forwarded to the Lexington County Solicitor’s Office for review.

__________________________________
Inv William Dougall
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ATTACHMENTS

1) Cayce DPS Incident Report 20-02016 (Cayce)


2) Cayce DPS CAD Report 20-00002128 (Cayce)
3) Audio Recordings of 911 Calls (Cayce)
4) Crime Scene Log 16 Londonderry Square (FBI)
5) Body Worn Camera Cpl Fournier (Cayce BWC)
6) Audio Recorded Interview of Selena Collins 2/10/2020 (Cayce)
7) FBI FD-302 Selena Collins (FBI)
8) Audio Recorded Interview of Carter Arcand 2/10/2020 (Cayce)
9) FBI FD-302 Carter Arcand (FBI)
10) FBI FD-302 Chad Swetlik (FBI)
11) Witten Statement Selena Collins 2/10/2020 (FBI)
12) Written Statement Carter Arcand 2/10/2020 (FBI)
13) Written Statement Ruth Collins 2/10/2020 (FBI)
14) Selena Collins Cell Phone Consent to Search (Cayce)
15) Carter Arcand Cell Phone Consent to Search (Cayce)
16) FBI Missing Child Deployment (MACE) Leads (FBI)
17) FBI Polygraph Report Selena Collins (FBI)
18) FBI Polygraph Report Carter Arcand (FBI)
19) Body Worn Camera SLED Wooded Area Canvas and Interview Selena Collins 2/12/2020 (SLED BWC)
20) Cayce DPS Search Warrant 892 for Residence at 16 Londonderry Square (Cayce)
21) Cayce DPS Search Warrant 893 for Carter Arcand’s Volkswagen Jetta (Cayce)
22) Cayce DPS Search Warrant 894 for Selena Collins’ Suzuki S4 (Cayce)
23) Body Worn Camrea Interview of and Search of 602 Piccadilly Square (CPD BWC)
24) Neighborhood Investigation Form (FBI)
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25) FBI FD-302 Interview of (FBI)


26) Neighborhood Investigation Form Coty Taylor (FBI)
27) FBI FD-302 Interview of Coty Taylor (FBI)
28) Wing Stop Employee Work Schedule and Pay Records (Cayce)
29) Autopsy Report Faye Swetlik (Lexington County Coroner)
30) SLED Crime Scene Report: 16 Londonderry Square, Selena Collins’ and Carter Arcand’s Vehicles, Roll
Carts (SLED)
31) Cayce DPS Incident Report 20-02127 (Cayce)
32) SLED Search Warrant 602 Piccadilly Square (SLED)
33) Autopsy Report Coty Taylor (Lexington County Coroner)
34) Photograph Wal-Mart Receipt (Cayce)
35) SLED Crime Scene Report 602 Piccadilly Square (SLED)
36) Video Surveillance Footage Walmart (2401 Augusta Road (Cayce)
37) Video Surveillance Footage BTS Tire and Wheel (2255 Airport Boulevard) (Cayce)
38) FBI FD-302 (FBI)
39) Audio Recorded Interview (2/13/2020) (Cayce)
40) Body Worn Camera Interview (2/21/2020) (Cayce BWC)
41) SLED Forensic Reports (SLED)
42) SLED Memorandum Coty Taylor Phone Extraction (SLED)
43) Cayce DPS Search Warrant 910 for Extraction of Data from Coty Taylor’s Cell Phone (Cayce)
44) Cayce DPS Memorandum for Record Reference Attempted Data Extraction of Coty Taylor’s Cell Phone
(Cayce)
45) SLED Computer Crimes Report Examination of Devices Seized from 602 Piccadilly Square (SLED)
46) FBI DVD Chad Swetlik Phone Extraction Data (FBI)
47) FBI Memorandum Reference Ownership and Distribution of FBI Generated Documents (FBI)
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Redactions

Portions of the investigative summary and attachments are redacted according to state statue:

30-4-40(a)(3)(E) would disclose current techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations
or prosecutions, or would disclose current guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions
if such disclosure would risk circumvention of the law.
30-4-40(a)(3)(C) would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy.

30-4-40(a)(3)(F) would endanger the life or physical safety of any individual.

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