Chavez Gustin, 22, was sentenced to 55 years after pleading guilty to felony murder in the July 2025 shooting death of 67-year-old Roger Swedzinski in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Court records say Swedzinski was found shot in his basement with his gun safe open and several American Eagle gold coins missing. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Gustin exchanging the stolen coins at a pawn shop for a gold bar two days later; Swedzinski had earlier listed the coins on Facebook Marketplace for $4,400.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 55 Years After Pleading Guilty in Killing Over Stolen Gold Coins
Chavez GustinAllen County Sheriff's Office
Chavez Gustin, 22, was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Jan. 5 after pleading guilty in December to one count of felony murder in the July 2025 death of 67-year-old Roger Swedzinski of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The plea agreement resulted in the dismissal of separate murder and burglary charges.
Case Details
Court records and local reporting say Swedzinski was found fatally shot in his basement in July 2025. Investigators reported his gun safe was open and valuables were scattered at the scene. Several American Eagle gold coins were missing from the home.
Investigation And Evidence
According to WANE and WPTA, surveillance footage showed Gustin two days after the killing exchanging what investigators say were the missing gold coins at a pawn shop for a gold bar. Prosecutors also noted that Swedzinski had recently listed the coins for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $4,400.
Sentence And Plea
As part of a plea deal reached with prosecutors, Gustin admitted to felony murder and received a 55-year sentence. In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed additional murder and burglary counts that had been filed against him.
Remembering The Victim
Swedzinski's online obituary remembers him as a devoted grandfather: "As a grandfather, Roger embraced his role with joy and enthusiasm. Known for being goofy grandpa, he was always ready with a new loud toy or a fun ice cream outing. His grandchildren were his greatest treasures, and he cherished every moment spent with them."
Sources: WANE, WPTA and People.
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