Murder charges filed 1 year after Vacaville woman found dead in orchard field
(KRON) — A Vacaville woman’s mysterious death went unsolved for nearly a year before a prime suspect was arrested and charged with murdering her.
Amery May Sweany, 27, was slain on April 27, 2023 in Northern California, investigators said. A passerby found her body in an orchard along Simpson Lane in Marysville and called 911. Yuba County Sheriff’s detectives said someone struck Sweany with a vehicle, causing lethal blunt force injuries.
The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office wrote, “Nearly one year after a female was found deceased on the side of the road just outside of Marysville … detectives’ meticulous investigation efforts have paid off.”
“Detectives served an arrest warrant on the 1400 block of Jamie Drive in Yuba City, taking 39-year-old Ricky Lasher into custody for the murder of Amery Sweany,” YCSO wrote. The Yuba County District Attorney’s Office charged Lasher will first-degree murder on April 12.
YCSO wrote, “Although Amery’s autopsy report indicated her injuries were the result of being struck by a vehicle, it doesn’t mean the incident was a ‘hit-and-run accident.’ Ricky Lasher has been charged with murder, which implies malicious intent to end a life.”
Lasher made his first court appearance on Monday. He is being held in jail in lieu of $1 million bail. Investigators have not released a motive behind the killing.
Sweany attended Buckingham Magnet Charter School in Vacaville and played on the school’s volleyball team, her obituary states.
The obituary writes, “Amery was born August 17th, 1995, in Vacaville, California to Jerry and Amy Sweany, just one minute before her twin Jeramy. She never let us forget who was oldest. Amery was compassionate, intelligent, and extremely strong-willed. As a fiercely independent young adult, Amery moved out on her own and continued her studies first at Butte Community College and then Chico State. Amery was absolutely brilliant, and could take on challenging academic material with great ease.”
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She was described by loved ones as a “free spirit” who enjoyed traveling alone through the coast and mountains of Northern California.
The obituary writes, “Amery faced unfathomable battles in her lifetime and her life was ended abruptly and unjustly. Amery wished to overcome her personal battles, and looked forward to living an adventurous and fulfilling life.”
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