Woman sentenced to 18 years in prison for killing aunt

HICKORY, N.C. — Tina Swink pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle.

In November of 2016, her aunt, Patricia Diane Swink, was found stabbed to death inside her home in Hickory. Police believe her niece, Tina Swink and her son went to the home on Halloween to rob her of money and medication and to steal her SUV.

[Mother, son charged in relative's killing]

After the mother and son broke in through the basement, Patrica Swink was stabbed multiple times.

She had given Tina Swink a place to live in the past.

“They waited until she had her pills, so they could get some and sell some,” Assistant District Attorney Melanie Earles said. “The defendant was also mad, your honor, because the victim had made her move out of the home.”

Prosecutors said Tina Swink helped cover up the murder by wiping down the stolen SUV with Clorox. Her son is serving a life sentence after pleading guilty in the case. Police believe he is the one who killed Patricia Swink. After being sentenced to 18 years of prison time, she apologized to family members.

“I’m very sorry for what happened that night,” Tina Swink said Monday. “You know, I love Aunt Patricia. No words will ever make things right for our family.”

Cox Media Group