WAL-MART STORES, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters, Benton, Arkansas

From The Office of The Vice-President of Sales

February 15, 1992

Dear Detective Nelson:

As per our telephone conversation of two days ago, I am forwarding the following information concerning the product that you inquired about.

The box of candy that you described to me is manufactured by Americo Fine Foods, a subsidiary of Sysco Foods, the largest foodservice distributor in America. Sysco is responsible for the bulk of Wal-Mart's food products that we offer for sale, including fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, milk, and other perishables that may be found in our Supercenter stores that also have a grocery located within.

Sysco also provides candy and other items around the holidays, including peppermints at Christmas and the bulk of the candy that our stores sell during Halloween, for example. They are a parent company of Americo Fine Foods, which make chocolate and other holiday and promotional candies for general sale. Americo Fine Foods main factory is located in West Memphis, Arkansas. Wal-Mart is only one of their clients.

Sales records for the last month (since January 1, 1991) at our Oxford store located on West Jackson Avenue indicate that 204 boxes of this particular brand of candy were bought up until two days ago, when sales dropped off dramatically. This particular box of candy is one of our low-end items, as compared to the higher priced brands such as Brach's and Whitman's Sampler, and usually retails at a price between $1.29 and $1.49. It has always been a popular brand for children --we sell many boxes, I am told, for school Valentine parties. The candy contained inside, I am told, is simply eighteen small squares of milk chocolate with nougat center.

Although I and the rest of the Wal-Mart family are saddened by this crime, I hope you understand that Wal-Mart cannot be held responsible in any way since the product was tampered with after purchase. Our condolences go out to the family of the victim and our best wishes and prayers go out to you for the swift apprehension of the criminal or criminals involved. Please call my office if you have further inquiries concerning any Wal-Mart product or policy.

Sincerely,

William Cox, Vice-President of Sales, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.