FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Monday after accepting a plea deal for a July 2025 shooting.
Chavez Gustin was initially charged with murder, felony murder, and burglary after stealing American Eagle gold coins and shooting 67-year-old Roger Swedzinski, the owner of the coins.
Man charged with murder in connection to Allen County shooting
On Monday, Chavez Gustin was sentenced to felony murder and 55 years in prison by Judge David Zent, who also required Gustin to pay more than $15,000 to two individuals related to Mr. Swedzinski, per the plea deal.
Gustin accepted a plea deal in December, dropping the murder and burglary charges, requiring him to plead guilty to felony murder and enhancing the sentencing for the use of a stolen gun in the crime.
Man to serve 55 years after pleading guilty to murder
Gustin was charged less than a week after the shooting, which took place on the 700 block of Hathaway Road. According to court documents, Roger Sweszinski was found dead in his basement with the gun safe open and valuables scattered around, with missing American Eagle gold coins.
Pawn shop cameras showed Gustin attempted to pawn off the gold coins for a gold bar two days after the shooting…