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January 25, 2008

Update: Suspect in wife's murder waives extradition

Murder suspect David Swain waived extradition this morning to Tortola, but it could be several weeks before he returns to the Caribbean island to face the charge.

Jeffrey Denner, one of Swain's attorneys, says the former Jamestown Town Council member, has "nothing to hide" and is anxious to return to the Caribbean, clear his name and get on with his life.

However, it could be several months, if not more, before Swain, a 51-year-old scuba shop owner, faces a jury. Swain, who is charged with killing his wife during a scuba vacation in 1999, won't likely face a trial until the fall, said Denner.

Denner said the wheels of justice move just as slowly in Tortola. Even though they have fewer cases than courts here, they also have fewer court workers.

Swain is being held without bail at Donald W. Wyatt Federal Detention Center in Central Falls.

Swain feels resolute and confident that he'll be found innocent, said Denner, but he also feels regret -- regret that he didn't use an attorney during his civil case, which led to a wrongful death finding.

Denner said Swain didn't believe that a civil finding against him would lead to a criminal prosecution.

Read a previous story.

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Jack Perry  at 11:18 AM | Permalink

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