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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Police arrest two in case of man who vanished 34 years ago

Associated Press

WENATCHEE – Authorities say a Sultan man and Leavenworth woman have been arrested in the death of a man who disappeared 34 years ago.

KCPQ-TV reported detectives on Friday arrested 60-year-old Bernard Swaim in connection with the disappearance of Cashmere resident Stephen E. Smith in 1982.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said Swaim has been charged with murder.

Detectives have also arrested a 57-year-old Leavenworth woman on the same charge but it wasn’t clear if she’s been charged.

The sheriff’s office said the woman and Smith were once married and had a child. After they divorced Smith was granted full custody and the woman was granted supervised visitation only.

She later married Swaim, the sheriff’s office said.

Smith and/or his remains have never been found.