Man accused of S. Tahoe murder awaits trial
Sacramento Bee reporters answer questions about area crime news, trends and other issues.
QUESTION: What is going on with the man/case who was arrested in Carmichael this year for a killing that took place 30 years ago in South Lake Tahoe?
Submitted by: George, Fair Oaks
ANSWER: Andrew Evan Sanford is in El Dorado County Jail awaiting trial in the death of 16-year-old Richard E. Swanson.
Swanson was killed Aug. 14, 1980, at what was then a Shell gas station at what is known as the Y intersection of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe. He was working alone that night and was killed during a robbery.
According to a story in the Bee, Swanson’s head had been severely beaten and he was robbed of his wallet, which contained $190 in cash from his first paycheck at the station. In addition, $761.02 was reportedly taken from the gas station’s cash drawer.
Sanford, 51, a Carmichael resident, was arrested in March of this year. He has pleaded not guilty to the 32-year-old crime.
I believe the robber, (Sanford) covered Swanson’s mouth and nose with duck tape and as a result Swanson suffocated to death, resulting in his murder.
I remember the story of Swanson’s death very well. My son is only a couple of years younger than Richard would be today.
I hope they have found the right man and that Richard’s family finally gets some closure. I cannot imagine their pain.