MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Marion County jury found 41-year-old Steven Alan Swearingen guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Steven Smolensky, a retired Citrus County Sheriff’s deputy. The verdict was delivered earlier this week following a trial that began on July 30, 2024.
Smolensky, a 25-year veteran of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, was shot multiple times by Swearingen on November 30, 2021, while delivering propane to a Weirsdale residence. Swearingen, a convicted felon, held Smolensky at gunpoint before fatally shooting him, despite Smolensky’s explanation that he was there for a propane refill.
The conviction was met with gratitude from Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast and Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson, who both expressed their condolences to Smolensky’s family and friends.
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“Today marks a significant moment in justice being served for Steve, a dedicated retired member of our agency,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I am profoundly grateful for our partners at the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless efforts in prosecuting this case. Their collaboration was instrumental in ensuring Swearingen will face the consequences for his appalling crimes.”
“We are grateful for the jury’s verdict, which brings justice for the tragic and senseless murder of this community servant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “May this outcome bring some measure of closure and solace to the family and friends of the victim. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with them during this challenging time as we await the sentencing phase.”
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Swearingen now awaits sentencing for the murder charge, as well as additional charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and false imprisonment.
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