Murder suspect arrested

ST. MARIES — Police have arrested a man accused of killing his longtime partner.

John D. Dalton, 55, of Spirit Lake, is charged with first degree murder, a felony.

Spirit Lake police responded around 7 p.m. Monday to the residence of 56-year-old Tina Swor.

Friends and family had requested a welfare check after they didn’t hear from Swor for several days.

Police found Swor dead inside her home.

A preliminary investigation conducted by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reportedly indicated foul play.

Dalton was in a long-term relationship with Swor. Police sought him as a person of interest in the case.

Law enforcement responded around 6 p.m. Wednesday to a report that Dalton was spotted in St. Maries.

A deputy with the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office located and detained Dalton.

Police obtained a warrant to search a nearby hotel, where they reportedly found evidence related to Swor’s death.

After conducting interviews, Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies obtained a warrant for Dalton’s arrest.

He has been booked into jail on a murder charge.

This is a developing story.