98\. The Circleville Letters
Into The Dark
Deep Dive
What were the Circleville Letters, and why are they significant?
The Circleville Letters were a series of anonymous, threatening letters sent to residents of Circleville, Ohio, starting in 1976. They exposed personal secrets, accused individuals of wrongdoing, and included threats of violence. The letters became infamous for their disturbing content and the mystery surrounding their author, who was never conclusively identified. The case is significant because it involved blackmail, harassment, and possibly even murder, making it one of the most enduring unsolved mysteries in small-town America.
Who was Mary Gillespie, and how was she involved in the Circleville Letters case?
Mary Gillespie was a school bus driver in Circleville, Ohio, and one of the primary targets of the Circleville Letters. The anonymous letters accused her of having an affair with Gordon Massey, the school superintendent, which she denied. The letters escalated to include threats against her family, including her husband and children. Mary's involvement became central to the case, especially after her husband, Ron Gillespie, died in a suspicious car accident while investigating the letters.
What happened to Ron Gillespie, and why is his death suspicious?
Ron Gillespie, Mary's husband, died in a single-car crash in August 1977. The police ruled it an accident, but the circumstances were suspicious. Ron had a high blood alcohol content at the time of his death, despite not being a drinker. He was also on his way to confront the suspected Circleville letter writer, and his gun had been fired once before the crash. Many believe Ron was murdered, possibly by the letter writer, and that the crash was staged to cover up the crime.
Who was Paul Freshour, and why was he a suspect in the Circleville Letters case?
Paul Freshour was a local man and Ron Gillespie's brother-in-law. He became a suspect after a booby-trapped sign with a gun was discovered, and the gun was traced back to him. Paul was convicted of attempted murder for the trap but denied being the Circleville letter writer. He claimed he only wrote a few letters to accuse others of being the writer. Despite his conviction, many believe he was framed, especially since the letters continued after he was imprisoned.
What evidence linked Paul Freshour to the Circleville Letters?
Paul Freshour was linked to the case through a gun found in a booby-trapped box near a threatening sign. The gun's serial number was partially filed off but still traceable to him. Additionally, his ex-wife, Karen Sue, claimed to have found torn-up letters in their home that resembled the Circleville Letters. However, the evidence was circumstantial, and Paul maintained his innocence, arguing that he was framed.
Why did the Circleville Letters stop after the Unsolved Mysteries episode aired?
The Circleville Letters stopped shortly after the Unsolved Mysteries episode aired in 1993. The reasons remain unclear, but theories suggest the writer may have felt their work was done, feared exposure due to the national spotlight, or possibly passed away. The timing of the letters' cessation added another layer of mystery to the case, as no definitive explanation was ever found.
What are some theories about the identity of the Circleville letter writer?
Several theories exist about the Circleville letter writer's identity. One theory points to Paul Freshour, who was convicted of attempted murder but denied writing the letters. Another suggests Karen Sue, Paul's ex-wife, framed him to gain custody and assets. A third theory involves Dwight L. Bowman, a disgruntled former school superintendent. Lastly, Thomas Lee Dillon, a convicted murderer, confessed to writing the letters, but his claims lacked credibility. None of these theories have been conclusively proven.
What role did Thomas Lee Dillon play in the Circleville Letters case?
Thomas Lee Dillon, a convicted murderer, confessed to being the Circleville letter writer in 1993. However, his confession lacked credibility, as it was unclear how he could have known the intimate details of Circleville residents' lives from prison. Handwriting analysts found similarities between his writing and the letters, but no definitive proof linked him to the case. Many believe he confessed for attention or fame.
How did the Circleville Letters impact the community?
The Circleville Letters created a climate of fear and suspicion in the small town of Circleville, Ohio. Residents received threatening letters exposing their secrets, and some faced violent threats. The case divided the community, with some believing Paul Freshour was guilty and others convinced he was framed. The letters continued for nearly two decades, leaving a lasting impact on the town and its residents.
- Anonymous letters expose secrets of Circleville residents
- Mary Gillespie and Gordon Massey are primary targets
- Threats escalate, involving family members
- Rumors of a potential unsolved murder