“Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin: The Impact of their Murders on Central Texas 5 Years Later”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin’s Tragic Story Continues to Impact Central Texas Five Years Later**

*Temple, Texas* – It has been five years since the devastating deaths of Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin shocked the community of Central Texas. The pair, who were brutally murdered in January 2019, have left a lasting impact on the region. Cedric Marks, a former mixed martial arts fighter and Scott’s ex-boyfriend, was convicted and sentenced to death for their murders in 2023. While justice has been served, the families of Scott and Swearingin have not stopped fighting for justice and continue to honor the memory of their loved ones.

The local news outlet, 6 News, has been covering the case since the day Scott and Swearingin were first reported missing. Over the past five years, there have been significant developments in the case. Below is a timeline of events that have unfolded since the tragic incident.

**Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin Reported Missing**
On January 5, 2019, the Temple Police Department made a public plea on Facebook for help in locating Jenna Scott, a 28-year-old nursing student at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Michael Swearingin, a 32-year-old salesman and friend of Scott. The two were last seen together the day before and were considered missing. It was later discovered that Scott had been dating Cedric Marks, a man she met on a dating app. Scott’s brother, Talon Scott, revealed that Swearingin’s car was found in Austin the following day. Disturbingly, it was also revealed that Scott had filed for a protective order against Marks in 2018, expressing her fear for her life and detailing two instances where Marks had choked her into unconsciousness. Despite her pleas, the judge denied Scott’s protective order.

**Cedric Marks’ Arrest**
On January 8, 2023, Cedric Marks was apprehended in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for breaking into Jenna Scott’s home. He was charged with burglary and scheduled for extradition to Bell County, Texas. Marks’ wife, Ginelle McDonough, and another woman named Maya Maxwell were also arrested on separate charges.

**Discovery of Swearingin and Scott’s Bodies**
On January 15, 2019, the Temple Police Department announced the grim discovery of two bodies buried in a shallow grave in Clearview, Oklahoma. An autopsy later confirmed the identities of the bodies as Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin. Maya Maxwell, an alleged accomplice, revealed in an affidavit that Cedric Marks had lured Scott and Swearingin to a Killeen home, where he subsequently murdered them. Maxwell claimed to have been present during the burial of their bodies.

**Cedric Marks’ Escape and Recapture**
In February 2019, while being transported from Michigan to Texas, Cedric Marks managed to escape from a prisoner transport van in Conroe, Texas. A nine-hour manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies ensued, finally resulting in Marks’ discovery hiding in a trash can a few blocks away from his escape point. Marks was subsequently booked into the Bell County Jail and charged with capital murder, among other offenses. In 2020, Marks faced additional charges of murder in relation to the abduction and death of another woman, April Pease.

**The Long Road to Trial**
In June 2021, Cedric Marks was granted the right to defend himself at his trial. Over the next few years, both Marks and the prosecution made numerous requests, leading to multiple delays in the trial. Finally, on April 17, 2023, Marks’ trial began. The proceedings lasted several weeks, featuring testimony from family members, law enforcement officials, and alleged accomplices. Marks chose to defend himself throughout the trial. 6 News diligently covered each day of the trial, providing comprehensive details that can be found on KCENTV.com.

**The Long-Awaited Verdict**
On May 24, 2023, four years after the deaths of Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin, Cedric Marks was found guilty of capital murder by a jury. The jury sentenced Marks to death on June 9, 2023, after almost four hours of deliberation. Following the sentencing, the families of Scott and Swearingin delivered victim impact statements. Deborah Harrison, Swearingin’s mother, expressed forgiveness for Marks as a person but not for his actions. The families also spoke to the media, sharing their feelings of closure and the lasting impact of their loved ones’ lives. Maya Maxwell, an accomplice, accepted a plea deal in October 2021 and is currently serving her sentence after pleading guilty to tampering and fabricating evidence of a human corpse.

**A Lasting Legacy**
In response to the tragedy, the families of Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin established a nonprofit organization called Priceless Beginnings. The organization provides temporary housing for victims of domestic violence, a cause dear to the hearts of Scott and Swearingin. The families organize an annual 5K run to celebrate their lives and raise awareness for Priceless Beginnings, encouraging donations to support their cause. Swearingin’s mother, Deborah Harrison, expressed the bittersweet journey of trying to find something good out of the tragedy, stating, “Your mama’s heart still wants your baby, and that’s real hard.”

**Cedric Marks’ Appeal**
On August 9, 2023, Cedric Marks initiated the appeal process in Bell County. However, his motion for a new trial was denied by a judge on August 23, 2023, further solidifying his conviction and sentencing.

Five years after the murders of Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin, their story continues to resonate within Central Texas. Their families have turned their grief into a powerful force for good, establishing a nonprofit and raising awareness for victims of domestic violence. As the community remembers Scott and Swearingin, their legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and supporting those affected by violence..