From the Independence County Sheriff’s Office:
On August 9, 2023, Independence County Deputies were called to a home in the southern part of the county in the Hutchinson Mountain Community for a stabbing incident.

Upon arrival, deputies located a female subject, identified as a Melanie Mullins.

The other subject involved was transported by private vehicle toward the hospital. Law enforcement was called to a parking lot near White River Health to further investigate.

When law enforcement arrived they discovered that the subject, identified as Gerald Swaim, was deceased due to the injuries sustained from the incident.

Mullins is in custody and pending formal charges. This is an ongoing active investigation.