Shivangi Sinha
In June 2021, Oxford, Mississippi, police were asked to conduct a welfare check on Tee “Archie” Swims, who had been living with her husband, David Swims. When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered her remains inside the home. Authorities believed she had died several days earlier, raising immediate questions about what had happened and what circumstances had led to her death. Investigators moved swiftly, gathering evidence and moving through the case quickly, which resulted in an arrest soon after. The events, timeline, and findings of the investigation are detailed in ID’s ‘American Monster’ episode titled ‘Mom Is Always Right.’
Tee Archie Swims’ Remains Were Found Inside the Home She Shared With Her Husband
Anteeatta “Tee” Rachell Archie was born on November 18, 1985, to Alisa and Anatole Archie. She grew up in Carroll County, Mississippi, alongside her sister, Shalanda Archie. Their parents prioritized education and encouraged both daughters to pursue big dreams. Tee graduated with honors from JZ George High School in 2004 and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi. Determined to advance in her field, she continued her studies at Delta State University, completing a Master’s in Elementary Education in 2011, followed by specialist degrees in 2013 and 2016.
In 2008, Tee began her teaching career with the Yazoo City Municipal School District, working at McCoy Elementary School, where she taught students in grades 3–5. In 2011, she also found love, married David Swims, and settled with him in Oxford, Mississippi. By 2014, she had joined the South Panola School District, teaching 3rd grade at Batesville Intermediate School and was serving as a Lead Teacher Instructional Coach, a role she enjoyed a lot. Over the years, Tee earned several recognitions, including being honored at a Hooding Ceremony by the University of Mississippi in April 2021 upon completing her Doctorate of Education in K–12 Educational Leadership & Administration.
Outwardly, everything appeared to be falling into place for her. On June 11, 2021, Tee’s family contacted the police, asking them to perform a welfare check because they hadn’t heard from her for several days and were growing concerned. When officers arrived at her home, they discovered her remains inside. Tee had been shot three times and had died from her injuries.
Tee Archie Swims’ Killer Claimed He Had Acted in Self-Defense
When officers entered the home, the first person they encountered was Anteeatta “Tee” Archie Swims’ husband, David Swims. He was immediately detained and brought in for questioning. David claimed he didn’t remember much about the morning and said he had taken some pills and felt groggy. When asked why he never contacted the police or reported anything, he offered no clear explanation. Tee’s family also raised concerns of their own. Shalanda Archie-Cook and Alisa Archie stated that Tee had been unhappy in her marriage, was allegedly planning to leave David, and that he had allegedly been disrespectful and verbally abusive toward her.
Tee’s family said they had never seen signs of physical abuse, though a neighbor alleged she once noticed marks on Tee’s arms. According to her family, David allegedly monitored Tee’s movements and tried to control her. They also alleged that Tee kept a separate phone because David tracked her and had access to her social media passwords. In May 2021, Tee reportedly called 911, though no charges were filed and no action was taken; David claimed she never made that call, and no official record of it exists. Shalanda said that after this incident, Tee came to stay with her and told her she planned to leave David.
Shalanda stated that David came to her home on June 8, after which Tee agreed to leave with him. The next morning, June 9, Tee failed to call her mother during her usual commute, and a text sent from her phone to her sister didn’t sound like her. The family believes David killed Tee on June 8, though he wasn’t arrested until June 11. During questioning, David admitted to shooting Tee but claimed it was in self-defense, alleging she attacked him with a knife. However, investigators found no evidence to support his account.
David Swims is Incarcerated in a Mississippi Prison Today
David Swims was able to post bail and remained out of custody until his trial in September 2023. Although he was initially charged with first-degree murder, the jury ultimately convicted him of second-degree “depraved heart” murder and of being a felon in possession of a firearm, given his previous convictions from 2003. He had also faced assault and trespassing charges in 2000 and 2001 involving a former partner, though he was acquitted at that time. In October 2023, David received a 40-year sentence for the murder charge, with two years suspended, plus an additional 10 years for the firearm offense. He appealed in August 2025, but the conviction was upheld. He is currently incarcerated at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) Water Closet unit in Pearl, Mississippi, with a tentative release year of 2061.
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