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David Swain's letters

In testimony, Mary Basler and David Swain both say they kissed one night in August 1998, when they were together at Mary's house, drinking wine. Mary then says she told David she was not willing to get involved with a married man. At the time, David was married to Shelley Tyre.

Below you'll find some of their correspondence:

THE KILLINGTON LETTER:
A few weeks after that kiss, David invites Mary away to Killington, Vt., saying "I hope you can find it in your heart and calendar to keep me company" and "I promise to return you in a rejuvenated state-or in need of rest, whichever strikes our fancy!" Mary did not take the trip.

(CBS)
(CBS)

Read more..."THIS MESS I'VE GOT"
The second letter, dated Oct. 20, 1998, about five months before Shelley died. David addresses it to "Soulmate Mary." He tells Mary "I'm wanting to be with you but I can't change this mess I've got anytime soon." Prosecutors asked David if he is referring his marriage to Shelley as a "mess" in this letter, but David said no.

(CBS)

AFTER SHELLEY DIES
Both David and Mary say that the relationship never went beyond the one kiss while Shelley was alive. But a couple months after Shelley died, in May or June 1999, David and Mary say they did become romantically involved. They broke up about a year later.

(CBS)

Read more... MARY BREAKS IT OFF
David's letters written after the breakup seem to imply Mary ended their relationship. He suggests in one e-mail to her the breakup was caused by him being "honest and open..."
(CBS)

(CBS)

48 Hours Mystery: Shelley's Last Breath

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