By Betsy Finklea
Robert Lee Nelson, who was charged in the 2009 murders of Robert and Mary Swaner, pled guilty on Monday morning before Judge Steven John.
Nelson was tried in 2012, but the jury deadlocked on the two murder charges only finding Nelson guilty of burglary first degree, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and two armed robbery charges. On these charges, he was Nelson was sentenced to 47 years for the burglary first degree charge, 30 years each for the two armed robbery charges with credit for time served to run concurrently, and five years consecutive for possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The total years of service is 52 years. A mistrial was declared on the murders, but the Solicitor’s Office vowed to re-try Nelson.
At Monday’s plea, Deputy Solicitor Kernard Redmond said that they had agreed to a 45 year sentence which Nelson will have to serve day for day. In exchange, Nelson waives his rights to an appeal in this matter and on the charges on which he was previously convicted.
Redmond said he “believes this is a fair resolution.”
The judge then extensively questioned Nelson. “Are you pleading guilty to these crimes because you are guilty of these crimes?,” Judge John asked. “Yes sir,” Nelson replied.
After questioning, the judge accepted the pleas.
Dorothy Fisher, the sister of Mary Swaner, spoke on behalf of the family. She said this “senseless crime” had taken lives and left the family with the most incredible loss imaginable. She said they love and miss the Swaners dearly and their hearts are permanently broken. She said all the Swaners ever tried to do was help this teenager and in return, he beat and stabbed them to death. She said it has created the darkest hole in their family legacy. She asked the court for the maximum sentence.
After her remarks, the defense, represented by e Attorney Bill McGuire and Attorney Casey Secor, offered nothing.
The judge sentenced Nelson to 45 years concurrent with his 2012 sentence and gave him time served for 1,414 days. The judge commented that it was a senseless tragedy, but the court was in agreement with the matters as presented.
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Stories from the original incident and the 2012 trial can be found on www.thedillonherald.com.
