The witness, who reportedly threatened victim #1 Robert Pruitt, was interviewed at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department. The interview was conducted by Detectives Armstrong and Murphy and was recorded on a portable tape recorder with the witness's knowledge and consent.
- TA = Detective T. Armstrong
- SM = Detective S. Murphy
- RG = Rick Gill
SM: Thanks for coming in again. Would you give us your name and address for the record?
RG: Rick Gill. 805 College Hill.
TA: How was work today?
RG: Just fine. Why am I here?
TA: An investigation is not unlike cutting a lawn. You always overlap a little as you swing back, go over the same ground. Is there anything from our last interview that you'd like to retract?
RG: Retract?
TA: Maybe something you exaggerated or forgot to mention? It happens. Nobody has a perfect memory.
RG: I don't lie.
SM: That's not exactly true, Mr. Gill. We can place you on Tyler Avenue on the same day as the murders. Seems strange you didn't mention that fact during our last interview.
RG: So what, I was on Tyler Avenue? There's probably less than a handful of streets in this town I don't drive down on a daily basis.
TA: Your ex-wife's lawyer doesn't live on all on them.
RG: So that's the big deal. What, you want me to have Ginny re-map my route so I don't pass within a hundred yards of his property?
SM: It just seems strange that you didn't mention you knew where Pruitt lived. We have to ask ourselves why.
RG: I didn't know.
TA: That's odd. I'm not some rich guy who can afford to have his lawn groomed. I cut my own grass. The one time I tried to wear a blindfold, I butchered the job. Of course, I'm not a professional like you.
RG: What are you talking about?
SM: Here's a photograph of Pruitt's mailbox. I was standing on the neighbor's lawn -- a lawn that you cut on a monthly basis. Even in the picture you can almost read the name. Detective Armstrong, you measured the letters, didn't you?
TA: They're an inch tall.
SM: An inch? That is big. I'd imagine someone cutting the neighbor's lawn could read "Pruitt" and certainly it's easy enough from the road. That's the whole idea. You don't wear a blindfold when you drive, do you?
RG: Of course not.
TA: So how do you explain not seeing the name on the mailbox?
RG: Maybe I did. Doesn't mean it was him. I never saw him there. That's for sure because that I would remember. I'd expect a blood-sucking lawyer to live in a mansion some place. Besides, you have any idea how many people named Pruitt must live in Oxford?
SM: Ten. Counting the man you hated. Why did you lie to us?
RG: I didn't lie.
TA: Sit down, Mr. Gill.
SM: You withheld information. That doesn't look good during a murder investigation.
RG: I haven't done anything wrong.
TA: Knowing where the man lived isn't a crime. Just tell us the truth.
RG: I am. I didn't know Pruitt lived there. I've probably driven by where you live too. It's part of my job.
SM: You love your children.
RG: Of course I love them. What kind of question is that?
SM: It wasn't a question. If anything came up while you had them for the weekend -- maybe you have to cut some VIP's lawn -- you wouldn't leave them alone in the apartment, would you?
RG: No way. What's Stella trying to pull?
SM: Who do you call?
RG: For what?
SM: To watch the children when you have to leave?
RG: I've never left them.
TA: But if you did, who would you call?
RG: I don't know.
SM: You must have a neighbor or friend who would be good with them.
RG: Maybe.
SM: It's hard for me to believe that you aren't prepared for an emergency. You're too responsible a parent.
RG: I'll deal with it when the situation when it happens.
SM: How?
RG: Ask me after.
TA: So if we interview every person in Oxford who even appears to know you, we won't find anyone who watched your kids on the fifteenth of April or any other date?
RG: Right.
SM: Where did you meet Wayne Fisher?
RG: I don't know any Wayne Fisher.
TA: You cut his grass? His neighbor's grass?
RG: You'd have to check with Ginny, the office manager.
TA: Your father was in the Navy.
RG: So?
TA: Is he the one who taught you to shoot? My father taught me.
RG: I don't own a gun.
TA: They're easy enough to borrow. Do you have plans to take your wife back to court?
RG: She made certain I couldn't afford the expense.
SM: That must really grind you down. That and the part Pruitt played. He ruined your life.
TA: Is there anything you'd like to get off your chest?
RG: I want to leave.
TA: You sure about that? You want to leave us with unanswered questions?
RG: I want to leave.
SM: Okay, then. Thanks for stopping in. We'll see you around.
Interview ends -- 6:06 PM
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Evidence