True Crime Chronicles: Murder in Fayetteville McDonald's parking lot in 2022 sent killer to prison for 30-years

Keyvon Tahlil Jarrett

On a warm Tuesday evening, September 6, 2022, 28-year-old Edwin “Ed” Swan pulled into the McDonald’s on College Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas -- a routine stop that would become the last moments of his life.

Just days away from his 29th birthday, Swan was a vibrant young man with a bright future. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on September 7, 1993, he was the son of Monica J. Swan and Marvin Griswold. Raised with faith (baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church), Ed graduated from Crossett High School, earned his high school diploma and CNA certification through Job Corps, and was pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

He was on track to graduate with a 3.87 GPA in December 2022.

Described by loved ones as someone who “never met any strangers,” Ed loved to travel, made friends across all backgrounds, and was a passionate sports fan — cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Boston Celtics. He was known for his kindness and outgoing personality.

That evening, Keyvon Tahlil Jarrett (then 22, spotted Swan at the McDonald’s. According to prosecutors, Jarrett confirmed his target, drove his vehicle to a spot west of the restaurant, and then returned on foot. As Swan exited the restaurant and walked toward his vehicle, Jarrett ambushed him in the parking lot and shot him twice.

Swan was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The brutal execution-style killing was captured on the restaurant’s security cameras.

Fayetteville Police quickly identified Jarrett as the suspect. On September 9, 2022, they obtained a capital murder warrant. Jarrett turned himself in to Conway Police the next morning and was transported to Washington County Jail.

Just three days after the murder, on September 9, 2022, Jarrett allegedly struck again in Crawford County. At the Workman’s Hilltop Travel Center in Rudy/Alma, he approached a man fueling his RV, displayed a firearm, and demanded his wallet. The victim drew his own gun in response; Jarrett fired two shots before fleeing. He was later charged with Aggravated Robbery in that case.

After multiple delays, Keyvon Tahlil Jarrett’s capital murder trial began in late July 2025 in Washington County. Prosecutors presented evidence of the premeditated ambush, including surveillance footage. On July 29, 2025, a jury found him guilty of Capital Murder.

He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He also received 360 months (30 years) for the Aggravated Robbery.

Jarrett is currently housed at the Cummins Unit (ADC #188200), classified as C5 custody with a life without parole sentence. His prison record already includes disciplinary violations for group disruption, battery, failure to obey orders, and substance-related issues.

Edwin Swan’s family and friends were left devastated. In the days after the murder, his father and others spoke of Ed’s gentle nature and how he brightened the lives of those around him. The community mourned a young man who was working hard toward a career in criminal justice -- a field he would never get to enter.

This case stands as a stark reminder of how quickly a random encounter can turn deadly. What prosecutors described as a targeted ambush robbed a promising young man of his future, his family of their loved one, and the Northwest Arkansas community of one of its kind souls.