Charges filed in dancer's death

First-degree murder charges have been filed against two men in the shooting death of an exotic dancer in Oklahoma City.

Tuesday, August 5th 2008, 3:18 pm

By: News 9


Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma County prosecutors filed first degree murder charges Tuesday against two men in the shooting death of exotic dancer Vanessa Swaissi.

Police arrested 18-year-old Nicco Barnett and 21-year-old Laverie Franklin Saturday night after finding the men hiding under a pile of clothes inside a closet.

According to the probable cause affidavit Franklin and Barnett met with Swaissi and her coworker at a Shell gas station located near NE 63 and Broadway on Thursday.

Swaissi and one of the gunmen agreed to meet to buy a stereo from her, the coworker said.

Swaissi offered the two men a ride, but Franklin and Barnett then drew a gun and demanded Swaissi give them her money, according to Franklin.

Swaissi's coworker attempted to defend herself with a knife and Franklin yelled for Barnett to shoot her, but Barnett instead allegedly shot Swaissi, who died.

Although Barnett and Franklin face murder charges in Oklahoma City, the two men could also face charges in the death of 20-year-old Anthony Parks.

Detectives in Del City continued their investigation that could link Parks' death with Barnett and Franklin.

Parks died Thursday morning during a robbery attempt. The composite sketches in Parks' death resemble the two men arrested in Swaissi's slaying, but investigators have not made a confirmed connection between the two killings.

Parks' funeral was held Tuesday.

 

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