The Interview
DOI: 25 DECEMBER 1999
ABSTRACT
First responder to suspected homicide at single-detached dwelling in suburban neighbourhood; response instigated by an anonymous call (see call log)
INTERDEPARTMENTAL DEbrIEF [TRANSCRIPT]
Officer on Duty: Det. Jay Ruta
Interviewer: Shailene Marr
[Marr]
Can I get you a cup of coffee or something?
[Ruta]
I’m not going to be able to sleep for a week as it is.
[Marr]
Decaf, then.
[Ruta]
Let’s just get this over with.
[Marr]
I hate this part as much as you do, but let’s cross the t’s while they’re fresh, okay?
[Ruta]
I know the drill.
[Marr]
Please, begin.
[Ruta]
I was doing the holiday RIDE program, and heard Sherry dispatch all available units for a possible 187. I was less than a block from the scene so I headed right over, figuring it might take a few minutes for some of the guys to make it out, holidays and all...
[Marr]
Sneaking home to put out cookies and tuck in the kids.
[Ruta]
You said it, not me.
[Marr]
So what happened out there?
[Ruta]
Paramedics were already on the scene. I thought I saw someone climb out a basement window and take off across the neighbour’s lawn.
[Marr]
Can you describe the person?
[Ruta]
Honestly? No. The lighting was shit, they were dressed all in black, and they moved so quick I never got another look at them.
[Marr]
Even though you pursued on foot?
[Ruta]
Even though I pursued on foot. They just evaporated.
[Marr]
Then what?
[Ruta]
I returned to the residence and announced myself at the door before I entered the building. [Unintelligible noise; muffled microphone] I followed the voices downstairs – it was professionals talking, but they sounded distressed. I didn’t even get around the corner before Kim was officially calling time of death.
[Marr]
That’s the paramedic, Kim Orson?
[Ruta]
Yes. Kim Orson. She was standing in the hallway calling time of death to her colleague. Susan, I think.
[Marr]
Susan Werner.
[Ruta]
They both looked… shaken up. I’ve seen Kim elbow-deep in blood before, Shailene, but I’ve never really seen them rattled like that. It concerned me, so I unholstered my weapon and announced that I was entering the room.
[Marr]
Okay. And then what?
[Ruta]
And that’s when shit hit the fucking fan.