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Does any of the supects have police records and if so what are they?

Response:None of the suspects have records of arrests or incarceration in addition to those listed in the biographies or interviews. Det. Murphy

Is it possible to get a blood sample from rusty morgan, and does the blood footprint match his boot size. Is AB- Lucas' blood type???

Response:The result of blood analysis done on Mr. Morgan's blood is posted. The size of the "bloody shoeprint" on the kitchen floor at the crime scene is generally inconsistent with the size of Mr. Morgan's shoes/boots. Mr. Lucas Swarthmore does have AB- blood type. Det. Murphy

Just to clear up the Blood evidence. There are 3 donors, one of whom with A+ blood and two unknowns, both of AB-, the only blood drop belonging to one is one of the drops on the floor? Ie the glass, sink, smear on cheek, other floor drop are all from the same donor?

Nozzer

Response:You are correct. There are 3 donors; the victim and 2 unknowns, both AB- blood type. Of the blood evidence listed, only the drop on the floor (item 002202-17) is from an unknown donor. The remainder of the items of evidence not from the victim are from the same donor. Det. Murphy

Do we have any clue to what the keys found at the crime scene go? Do we know what happened to Luisa Pilar Gomez' key?

{flynn}

Response:Of the keys recovered from the crime scene, 4 matched home or office locks belonging to James Swarthmore. 1 key matched the door of the residence of Ms. Marilyn Maccabee. Det. Murphy

Have you noticed, or been led to believe in any way, that there is anything going on between Lucas and Mrs S??? maybe James gave her the 15,000 and she gave it to Lucas???

Response:There is no evidence of a romantic relationship or a conspiracy between Mrs. Swarthmore and Mr. Lucas Swarthmore. Their relationship appears to be as outlined from the witness interviews and background biographies. The $15,000 Mr. James Swarthmore brought home on the night of his death remains unaccounted for, with only one individual having been seen spending large amounts of money or using "big bills." Det. Murphy

Is it possible to wash an object, but leave DNA traces? For example, if the killer washed blood off of the butcher knife, would that have washed the DNA traces off as well?
[Flynn]

Response:Extremely careful washing of some items can remove trace elements of DNA, or make them unusable for forensic purposes. However, this washing process leaves its own marks that the item was sanitized. There is no evidence that this occured to the murder weapon or to any other knives in those taken in evidence from the crime scene. Det. Murphy.

Does the bloody shoe print at the crime scene match the boots found at Sonny's? Does the size of the shoe print match the size of Lucas' foot?
thnx

[flynn]

Response:A comparison of the shoe print found in blood at the crime scene and the sole tread of Mr. Wolford's boots taken in evidence has excluded those boots (they don't match). The shoe print found in blood at the crime scene is not a match for size for Mr. Lucas Swarthmore's shoe size. Det. Murphy

the items taken from Sonny's house. What about the flannel shirt and undershirt and pants where there stains on them or where they the clothes he was wearing at the time. what does the shot gun and shells have to do with anything. did i miss something.

Luise's house
Whats with bags and scale

Response:Initial tests on the clothing --which held several stains which appeared to be blood-- yeilded no traces of human blood. The buttstock of the shotgun and other blunt objects taken into custody will be compared to wounds on the victim's body. The bags and scale seized in during the search were positioned so as to suggest their use as drug paraphenalia. Several witnesses saw Mr. Alvarez allegedly involved in drug trafficing related activities at or near the Swarthmore home or with Lucas Swarthmore. Det. Murphy.

You say blood samples 002202-02 and -04(cheek and cabinet) are from different donor than 002202-16 and -19(glass and sink), because different blood types--but the DNA analyses for those samples are IDENTICAL. What are the odds of that? Does it at least prove that the two donors are blood relatives?

Response:Typographical errors in the initial blood report have been corrected and posted. However, we do not believe that these errors will have significant impact on determining the identity of the offender. There is other evidence to link an individual to the crime scene and the acts committed there. Det. Murphy

The blood type analysis says blood on cabinet and cheek = AB-, blood in broken glass and sink = A+; but later DNA analysis seems to prove all four blood samples are from the same person!
Have I missed something, or has someone inside your crime lab been doctoring your biological evidence?

Response:Serology and DNA analysis can be confusing, especially when there were multiple individuals at the crime scene. The first half of your statement, as to the Blood types of blood evidence found at the locations you noted, is corrent. The second part--concerning the DNA analysis--is not. The AB- smear on the victim's cheek is from an unknown donor. The blood samples from the sink and glass are also from a (different) unknown donor. As can be seen from the various warrants, bio samples have or will be obtained from various individuals and the results are expected shortly. YCLED maintains full confidence in the abilities and integrity of its crime lab. Det. Murphy

Ok we have 5 days to come up with theory. Where are the items that go with the search warrants? Was anything found? How about blood samples? What about Eduardo, we have his pic but nothing else on him. Duh

Response:Waiting for additional evidence can sometimes be frustrating. Both items recovered from the searches and bio sample results are pending. The interview with Mr. Alvarez is posted--note that evidence (fingerprints from soda can, DNA from cigarette butts) were obtained during the interview. The results of processing this evidence are pending. Your last statement that there is "nothing else on him {Mr. Alvarez} is incorrect. Mr. Alvarez's name has come up repeatedly in witness interviews and background investigations. Det. Murphy

Is there going to be any crime scene photos, or have I missed it?? I'm new so please forgive me if i've missed it!!

Response:Selected photos of crime scene evidence should be posted shortly. We apologize for the delay--the victim's standing the community led to some issues with releasing these photos. However, we think the witness interviews, biographies, and other evidence are giving us very good directions to proceed in this case. -- Det. Murphy

Where on the map is Duffy's bar and grill?
[from miss82]

Response:Duffy's is at 2201 Jackson Avenue. The map should be updated shortly. --Det. Murphy.

Murphy: In the news report it says that James was shot. What am I missing? I thought he was stabbed?/Maggi

Response:

Response:

Response:Unfortunately, the news report is in error. Mr. Swarthmore was fatally stabbed and we have identified the murder weapon as one of the knives from the kitchen knife set taken in evidence from the Swarthmore household. In response to an earlier question, I stated that Mr. Morgan's financial records indicate he has no financial interest in the Oxford Health Club. This is correct, in as far as it goes. However, further investigation revealed that Mr. Morgan's Development Company does hold a significant, but not controlling, amount of the Oxford Health Club's parent corporation's stock. Murphy.

1) I would like to know where the phone booth was located in town, maybe by the gym, Duffy's, etc.?
2) What time did JS sign in at the gym the day he was killed?
3) Any list of outgoing & incoming on JS cell phone?
4) Check book, any odd checks to, or deposits from?

Response:The phone booth in question is located on the corner of University Ave and Lamar Ave. A canvass of the area did not yeild anyone who remembered an individual using the phone at the times in question. Oxford health club records indicate Mr. Swarthmore signed in at 4:43 PM on the day of his death. There is no sign-out log. Both the incoming and outgoing calls from Mr. Swarthmore's cell phone and the financial records taken in evidence (checkbook, credit card receipts)were investigated. No new relevant information resulted. --Det. Murphy

Have a comment at this time. The way you start off answering each question is annoying."Thank you for your questions concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. "
Also I thought we were fellow detectives on cases not "the public".
[sarge]

Response:Thanks, Sarge, for speaking up. Every once in a while, the Public Relations folks here at YCLED get management to institute a new policy and we working cops have to do as we're told. Some policies are better than others, though. Det. Murphy.

What time did Eduardo get back after leaving the bar around 7?
from miss82

Response:Follow up interviews with Ms. Gomez and other individuals are scheduled to be conducted to clarify the whereabouts of certain individuals on the night in question. Det. Murphy

1: Does Rusty secretly own part share in "this" Healthclub?
2: Event = November, magazines found = December issues, considered suspect?
3: Request to see Visa statement & American Express bill (hotel, jewellery dates of purchase etc)?
4: Was there blood on the damaged bullet, was it AB-?
[NZgal]

Response:A review of Mr. Morgan's financial records indicate that he has no interests in the Health Club. The fact that the issue of �Southern Living� taken from the crime scene was the December, 2003 does not, because of the date, raise an issue. Many monthly national periodicals date and release their issues the month prior to the actual calendar month. In other words, it's not unusual to receive a September isssue in early August, a December issue in early November, and so on. The two Visa bills and the American Express bill taken from the crime scene are being processed by YCLED CSU. More information on the relevance of these items will be released once that processing is complete. The damaged bullet taken from the crime scene held no blood or DNA forensic evidence. An analysis of the bullet suggests that it may have misfired in the weapon and been ejected. Det. Murphy

Is there going to be an interview with Frank, the man Lori Swarthmore was running around with?

Response:An interview with Frank Hostel is scheduled and should be available shortly. Det. Murphy

Murphy:Would you happen to know who the owner of the health club is?
In Harry's interview when asked where lori was on the night of the murder he said that he "didn't know, didn't ask". By saying that he didn't ask couldn't that mean that he did indeed see her that night?
{Maggi}

Response:

Response: The Oxford Health Club is owned by Total Life Fitness, which owns a chain of clubs across several Southern states. During his interview, Mr. Diggs definitively stated that he did not see Mrs. Swarthmore at Duffy's on the night in question.

Who had A positive blood?

Response:

Response:

Response: While obtaining and analyzing blood samples from various individuals of interest in this case is ongoing, by reviewing the current blood and DNA analysis, it can be definitively stated that the deceased had A pos blood type and that at least one other individual, identity unknown, had the same blood type but different DNA composition than the deceased, James Swarthmore.

IS THE NEWS 12 REPORTER SINGLE?.....WOW WHAT A GOOD LOOKING WOMAN..LOL

Response:

Response:The marital status of the NEWS 12 report is unknown. YCLED will, however, ensure that during the next press conference the reporter is advised that she has a fan. Det Murphy.

Are the unknown finger prints all from a different person or are they from 1 individual. I am sure fingerprints of Sonny, Lucas and Lori were on the scene and can easly be obtained. When will we know who the prints belong to?
Why on the Electrophenogram did I see four different people all male?

Response:

Response: A cross-comparison of the unexcluded finger prints found at the Swarthmore crime scene is in progress. As the unexcluded prints did not get "hits" during an AFIS check, we will know who left those prints only when we obtain a matching set from that specific individual. On the electrophenogram, three total individual donors--all male-- were present. Det Murphy

if posible could you better explain the finger print evidence or send something that is a little easier to understand, thank you, sorry to take up your time. my email address is [email protected]. carolinagirl

Response:Thank you for your questions concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. While space here does not permit an extensive tutorial on fingerprints, the initial list of fingerprints list those fingerprints, initially thought to be "usable" (in other words, fingerprints or latent fingerprints/palm prints, etc which appear to meet at least minimum standards for YCLED for use in identification of individuals). Some prints will be "excluded" because they belong to the victim, family members, etc, or members of the YCLED or others who had access to the site (paramedics, for example). Non-excluded fingerprints represent those prints which cannot be accounted for in the manner above. Obviously, non-excluded fingerprints are of great interest to law enforcement. Det. Murphy

Det. Murph, Was fingerprint ran that was found at scene against police files?
Shoe size and does any suspects wear that size?shoe print at scene
Are you going to interview the Ed Alvarez?
What did the first will say?
Where did the $15,000 go he withdrew?
Who was Lori with? Names?
brematt21

Response:Thank you for your questions concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. An AFIS check was done on unexcluded fingerprints found at the crime scene. No matches were found. The shoe imprints at the crime scene were approximately a men's size 11. An interview with Mr. Alvarez may be scheduled depending upon how the investigation progresses. Mr. Swarthmore's first will generally divided his estate with half distributed generally equally among his children and half going to his wife Lori. The $15,000 Mr. Swarthmore withdrew from his bank is unaccounted for. It's not clear exactly what you mean by "who was Lori with?" Assuming you mean who was she with on the night of the murder, as per her interview, she asserts that she was with friends. Other information seems to contradict, or at least conflict, with this explanation. As of this writing, there is no additional, specific information available as to Mrs. Swarthmore's activities or who she was with on the night in question. As a matter of procedure, this office conducts follow up interviews with all witnesses when conflicting reports are received or when clarification is necessary. Det. Murphy

Who is Craig's mom? Is Felicity in Biloxi or Galveston? Does Rusty work out with Frank &/or Marilyn? Has James' will been filed in probate? Who were Sunlar's silent partners? Has Lori ever looked like she was beaten? Has she ever been pregnant? Did James still play bluegrass for friends? [camindfb]

Response:Thank you for your questions concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. Records on file at the Yoknapatawpha County courthouse and with the State of Mississippi are in disagreement, but it appears Ms. Marion Frye is the mother of Mr. Craig Swarthmore. Mrs. Felicity Swarthmore has remarried, and has been located in Biloxi. After verification of alibis and other investigation, it is the opinion of YCLED investigative staff that neither any of Mr. Swarthmore's estranged children nor his former wives are involved in Mr. Swarthmore's death, and further investigation along those lines is not being pursued. Mr. Morgan's workout schedule is unknown. Mr. Swarthmore's will has been filed for many years. The reported changes to the will, as described by his attorney, were not. Mr. Sunlar's partners in his failed business ventures are unknown. No investigation of their identities is being pursued. No reports of domestic violence calls to the Swarthmore residence have been recorded by YCLED. Mrs. Swarthmore's medical records are confidential. It is reported that Mr. Swarthmore continued to, at least sporadically, play for small gatherings of friends. Det. Murphy.

Murphy:was the roughdraft of the will in the briefcase? Why did you ask Sonny if he used a wrench?What did Lori mean by"after we got DONE in the garage"?Does Lucas have any idea that his mom had a thing with Rusty? Will you interview Dwight Cable?Who is craig swathmore of dallas TX? {Maggi}

Response:Thank you for your question concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. Mr. Wolford was not asked if he used a wrench; that was a assertion. It is understood from Mrs. Swarthmore that she took some time to look at her stepson's wound in the garage prior to entering her home. Lucas Swarthmore's knowledge of any relationship between his mother and Mr. Morgan is unknown. Mr. Cable is not scheduled for an interview; there is no evidence suggesting that he may be able to contribute new information to the investigation. While records on file in the Yoknapatawpha County Courthouse and those on file with the State of Mississippi are in disagreement, Mr. Craig Swarthmore of Dallas appears--by some records-- to be the estranged son of James Swarthmore. This office has interviewed Craig Swarthmore by telephone and has verified his presence in Dallas on the night of the murder. It is the opinion of the YCLED that Mr. Craig Swarthmore had no involvement in the death of his father, and no further investigation along these lines is being pursued.

How did Lori know that James had been stabbed and not shot since both of those weapons were on the scene?
Have you checked all the suspects for injuries?
Is the draft of James' will missing?
Who was Lori really with the evening James was murdered?
Does Lucas have a girlfriend? Boyfriend

Scarlett

Response:Thank you for your questions concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. We believe that Mr. Swarthmore's wound was readily apparent. At present, YCLED has no suspects. If YCLED used the term "persons of interest" (which it does not), those persons could include the immediate family, Mr. Sonny Wolford, Mrs. Sonny Wolford, Mr. Rusty Morgan, Ms. Luisa Alvarez, and others yet unnamed. The draft of the will was not recovered from Mr. Swarthmore's briefcase in the initial items recovered from the crime scene. A search of Mr. Swarthmore's office the draft in Mr. Swarthmore's desk. During her interview, Mrs. Swarthmore informed detectives that she was with friends. Mr. Lucas Swarthmore has no known romantic interests.

Det. Murphy,
With the use of phone records etc. can we tell who JS was talking to on the phone just after he got home from work. This may provide us with info as to if he stayed home or went out after supper.
Thanks,
The Rising Raven

Response:Thank you for your question concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. Phone records from the Swarthmore residence and James Swarthmore's cell phone were subpeonaed. An analysis of the logs within the questioned period revealed that the call identified by Lori Swarthmore as being received at or around the time in question was placed from a public phone in downtown Oxford, MS. A canvas of the area produced no witnesses able to identify the caller. YCLED CSU processed the phone and booth, but these yielded no usable or identifiable forensic results.

Det. Murphy,
The person that Harry Diggs refers to in his interview as the "same guy that sold to Lucas" and he said "he looked pretty messed up." can Harry identify who this guy is? And how was he messed up? Drunk or stoned messed up? Or messed up like beat up? Thanks, Det. Burg

Response:Thank you for your question concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome. A follow up interview with Mr. Digg's will be scheduled as developing information warrants. However, this department has long, informal experience with Mr. Diggs as a co-operating member of the community. Although specific clarification of the term "pretty messed up" should be obtained, we believe, based upon past experience of Mr. Diggs specifying that other individuals appeared inebriated or under the influence of narcotics, that Mr. Diggs was referring to the individual's physical state--that he was messed up as in beaten up, as opposed to under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. Det. Murphy.

Det. Murphy, was there any evidence of "forced entry" at the crime scene? Also, have James moventments been traced in the last hours, between 6:30PM and the time of the murder? The fact that he was wearing a coat when killed would indicate to me he had been out and returned.
BobC

Response:Thank you for your question concerning the Swarthmore homicide. Questions and information from the public are always welcome Broken glass identified as having come from the small windows in the kitchen door was found on the interior of the home (kitchen floor near the door). This suggested forced entry to the R/O. Mr. Swarthmore's whereabouts on the night of his death can be determined from the time of death, evidence at the crime scene, and witness interviews. However, there is, as you note, about an hour or so of time where Mr. Swarthmore's activities cannot be determined. It is possible that Mr. Swarthmore left his residence and returned before he crime occured. It is possible that he remained at home up until the time of the confrontation with his attacker and his subsequent death. However, YCLED does not see the fact that the victim had his suit jacket on as presumptive evidence that he left his premises. Mr. Swarthmore was known to remain in his suit throughout the evening. Det. Murphy

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