Jury sees accused killer's letter to victim

Note written following Jon Thomas Ford, Dana Clair Edwards' break-up

SAN ANTONIO – Just days after Dana Clair Edwards, 32, broke up with her boyfriend of two years, Jon Thomas Ford, he wrote her a letter.

"I am deeply saddened, hurt and disappointed at the sudden termination of our relationship," the letter read.

The letter, read aloud by prosecutor Cathrine Babbitt continued, "I have not been able to sleep because I just lie in bed crying over this tremendous loss and loneliness I now feel."

Earlier in the trial, Ford's friends testified that he seemed to be handling the break-up well.

His mother, Nancy, agreed in her testimony on Wednesday. 

But prosecutors say the letter suggests otherwise.

Ford, 43,  allegedly beat and strangled Edwards in her Alamo Heights condo following a 2008 New Years Eve party. 

Both Ford and Edwards attended the party but not as a couple. 

He left early; she left alone later. 

Her body was found by her parents 36 hours later.

Ford's mother testified that in the days following the murder, Edwards' mother began to send her threatening notes and made a series of phone calls accusing Ford of the murder.

"I was concerned about the threats on my life. I was concerned for Thomas' safety," she testified.

Ford said that she felt as though the Edwards family was pressuring police to build a case against her son.

If he is convicted, Ford is facing a maximum punishment of life in prison.


About the Author

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.

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