1. Cell no. 1
Melbourne Prison
2 Smith Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
17th August 2012
Sender’s address
Dear John,
Greeting
I am writing to explain my situation. Something terrible has happened. Susan and I were at Lea-on-Sea last week for our usual holiday and an imposter pretending to be me shot Susan. She died at the scene. I have been framed by a man Susan worked with fifteen years ago and have been arrested by the police. I am now in prison but I am innocent. These are the reasons why.
Introduction: Peter explains the situation
first paragraph: first reason
Firstly, when the imposter was at Connor’s café pretending to be me, he said that Susan’s new car was a Volkswagen but it isn’t. Susan’s new car is a Citroen. You know that because I wrote that in my last .
second paragraph: second reason
Secondly, it could not have been me because the killer had brown eyes and I have blue eyes. Susan pointed this out just before he shot her.
Thirdly, Susan recognized the imposter and said that his name is Stephen Griggs.
third paragraph: third reason
fourth paragraph: fourth reason
In addition, there would be two sets of fingerprints on the gun. This is because the gun was placed in my hand after the killer shot Susan.
fifth paragraph: fifth reason
Finally, the killer took a photo of Susan and me when we were down at the beach and left it on the bed at the murder scene. If you go back to the hotel and look in the room, it might still be there.
I hope you believe me and can help me to prove my innocence.
conclusion
Your good friend
closing
Peter
signature