BOISE -- A 64-year-old Boise man is dead and a Boise woman has been charged with his murder.
Boise Police were called to the Civic Plaza Apartments on Front Street around noon on Friday. When they arrived, officers found one man dead with "multiple injuries."
After speaking with witnesses, officers identified their suspect as 35-year-old Kimberly Swa of Boise.
Swa was found late Friday night and booked into the Ada County Jail on the charge of first-degree murder - perpetrated/premeditated by poison, torture, vengeance, extortion, or sadistic inclinations.
On Monday, the Ada County coroner identified the victim as David Castro Vargas and ruled the manner of death as homicide. He died of multiple stab wounds to the head, neck, chest and abdomen.
What stands out in this case is the charge -- not just first-degree murder, but also the claim that it was "premeditated by poison, torture, vengeance, extortion or sadistic inclinations."'
The courtroom was packed today for Swa's initial appearance. Prosecutors described this murder as extremely violent and say Swa admitted to killing the man during questioning with investigators.
During her arraignment, Ada County prosecuting attorney Robert Bleazard said Swa was in a "position of trust" with the victim and murdered him inside his home.
"The defendant's admitted conduct, which is supported by physical evidence which was uncovered during the investigation was brutal and torturous," he said.
Bleazard said Swa has a substantial criminal history, including a prior felony conviction of burglary.
Court records also show Swa pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of violating a no-contact order in a domestic violence case from 2017. She had been set to go to trial Wednesday on the domestic violence charge; that hearing has since been vacated.
“She has a history of threatening and violent behavior towards people in her life," he said.
The defense argued Swa has lived in this community her entire life, and from the age of 21 has battled with mental illness.
“She is presumed to be innocent under our Constitution and we ask that the court set a bond in this case," requested defense attorney Nicole Owens.
Citing Swa's criminal history, the judge cited with the prosecution for no bond.
If convicted, Swa could face the death penalty or life in prison. She is due back in court on April 30.