Athens Plant Shooter Reportedly Intended to Kill More People

Athens, TN (WDEF) A preliminary investigation into the shooting at the Thomas and Betts plant last month finds the gunman intended to kill more people.

45-year-old Ricky Swafford killed two of his supervisors before taking his own life.

A TBI report finds after Swafford shot 44-year-old James Zotter and 68-year-old Sandra Cooley he continued to walk through the plant. The plant manager told investigators he encountered Swafford, who pointed the gun at him and pulled the trigger, but it jammed.

Swafford then went into the restroom and took his own life.

Authorities found two boxes of ammo and a magazine loaded with eight-rounds in Swafford’s car.