Mysterious and creepy letters torment a close-knit family
- Nov 4, 2023
- 42:43
- Full Episode
Case 266: Circleville Letter Writer
In March 1977, school bus driver Mary Gillespie started receiving threatening letters delivered to her home in Circleville, Ohio. It wasn’t long before her husband, Ron Gillespie, also received the letters which accused Mary of having an affair with the local school superintendent, Gordon Massie.
When Mary Gillespie found a threatening sign hung from a fence post on her school bus route, she tore it down, only to find a booby trap inside, designed to kill her. Who wanted to target Mary? Investigation of the booby trap pointed to a prime suspect close to home, her brother-in-law Paul Freshour.
CREDITS
Narration – Anonymous Host Research & writing – Jessica Forsayeth Creative direction – Milly Raso Production and music – Mike Migas Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn
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RESOURCES
For all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-266-circleville-letter-writer
Brief Summary
The Circleville letters harassed Mary Gillespie, leading to her husband's mysterious death and a controversial trial of her brother-in-law Paul Freshour.
Key points
- The First Letter. Mary Gillespie receives a threatening letter warning her about her alleged affair.
- Escalation of Threats. The letter writer becomes more aggressive, threatening Mary and her daughter.
- Tragic Accident. Ron Gillespie dies in a mysterious car accident after receiving a call from the letter writer.
- The Booby Trap. Mary discovers a deadly booby trap designed to kill her.
- Family Ties. The investigation leads to shocking revelations about Mary's brother-in-law.
- Paul Freshour's Trial. Paul Freshour was found guilty of attempted murder after a trial based on circumstantial evidence.
Episode highlights
- The First LetterMary Gillespie receives a threatening letter warning her about her alleged affair.“I know where you live, I've been observing your house.”2:13Nov 4, 2023
- Escalation of ThreatsThe letter writer becomes more aggressive, threatening Mary and her daughter.“This is your last chance to report him.”4:30Nov 4, 2023
- Tragic AccidentRon Gillespie dies in a mysterious car accident after receiving a call from the letter writer.“Your life is in danger.”7:20Nov 4, 2023
- The Booby TrapMary discovers a deadly booby trap designed to kill her.“Had Mary ripped the sign down, she could have been killed.”22:31Nov 4, 2023
- Family TiesThe investigation leads to shocking revelations about Mary's brother-in-law.“The man who owned the pistol was her brother-in-law Paul Freshour.”23:59Nov 4, 2023
- Paul Freshour's TrialPaul Freshour was found guilty of attempted murder after a trial based on circumstantial evidence.“The jury returned with a verdict for the attempted murder of Mary Gillespie.”30:34Nov 4, 2023
- The Circleville Letters ContinueDespite being in prison, Paul Freshour's letters continued to reach residents, raising suspicions.“Sheriff Radcliffe was certain Paul was somehow smuggling the letters out of prison.”31:06Nov 4, 2023
- Unsolved Mysteries CoverageThe case was featured on Unsolved Mysteries, reigniting public interest and speculation.“Producers announced their intention to cover the Circleville letter writer.”34:08Nov 4, 2023






