Ashley and James Schwalm had what seemed like a fairy tale life—two wonderful children, fulfilling careers and a gorgeous home close to the private ski club where they’d fallen in love. Then Ashley’s remains turned up in a burned-out car at the bottom of a ditch, and all signs pointed to her husband.
James Schwalm’s wife, in his eyes, had ruined his life and shattered the sterling reputation he enjoyed in their tight-knit community. Perhaps, in a noxious fog of hatred, egomania and vengefulness, he reached the gruesome conclusion that murder was a justifiable retaliation for infidelity. Or maybe his primary motivation was simply greed. There were two insurance policies on Ashley’s life, one that would leave $250,000 to the kids and another that would leave $1 million to him. If Ashley were to die, James could keep the house and custody of the kids. He’d be seven figures richer, his community would shower him with sympathy and he’d be free, in time, to pursue another romance. He just had to make it look like an accident.