Norcross Woman Killed on I-285, Local Man Charged with Manslaughter

Updated July 12, 9:04 a.m.

Cobb County Police are investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident that occurred on I-285 early Sunday morning, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman.

Yasmel Garcia-Victoria and Michael Swetell, both of Norcross, were travelling west on I-285 when their vehicle came to a sudden stop in the emergency lane near Cobb Parkway, according Cobb County Police.

They both exited the vehicle and apparently began to argue. Garcia-Victoria was struck by a vehicle in the right lane, then hit by several other cars. Only one driver called officials to report the incident, according to a police brief.

Cobb County Police told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution that Swetell, who was Garcia-Victoria's boyfriend, had a history of violence--and that his behavior "played a role" in his girlfriend's death.

Police say that Swetell got into his 2002 Honda Civic and drove to a Waffle House on Atlanta Road. He told an employee, who reported the incident to the police. 

Swetell has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Conduct, Concealing the Death of Another, Tampering with Evidence and DUI. He is currently being held in Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

“The whole situation is still under investigation,” said Public Information Officer Michael Bowman of the Cobb Police. He said they are not actively searching for any of the vehicles that struck Garcia-Victoria, but that the investigation continues.