The trial for Robert Lee Nelson is underway in the 2009 deaths of Walter and Mary Swaner. The jury heard opening statements from both the state and the defense as well as testimony from three witnesses before adjourning for the day. Testimony continues tomorrow.
Nelson is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of armed robbery, possession of weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and burglary first degree in the December 2009 deaths of Walter and Mary Swaner, who lived at 2411 Dixie Acres Drive in Dillon.
At the time of their deaths, Walter Swaner was age 84 and Mary Swaner was age 80. The couple had been married for 52 years and were members of St. Louis Catholic Church in Dillon.
More details will be in Thursday’s issue of The Dillon Herald.