Michael Rainey interview

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – 4:14 p.m.

Christopher Wooten identified Michael Rainey as a customer at Huddle House on Saturday evening, May 11, 2024.

Detectives Armstrong and Murphy interviewed Mr. Rainey at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Michael Rainey

Detective Armstrong: Thank you for coming in, Mr. Rainey.

Michael Rainey: That's okay. You said it was about that girl's murder? I didn't even know her. Why am I here?

Detective Murphy: Before we get started, will you state your name and address for the record, please?

Michael Rainey: Sure. Michael Rainey. I live on campus in Pittman Hall.

Detective Murphy: Thank you, Michael. May I call you Michael?

Michael Rainey: Yeah, sure. That's cool.

Detective Murphy: Michael, we need your help. Do you know Christopher Wooten?

Michael Rainey: Who?

Detective Armstrong: Chris Wooten. A guy you supposedly go to school with.

Michael Rainey: Oh yeah, the name sounds familiar. The classes are pretty big, so I don't really know everybody.

Detective Murphy: Do you remember where you were on Saturday?

Michael Rainey: I didn't have nothing to do with what happened to that girl. I didn't even know her. I was nowhere near her—ever!

Detective Armstrong: Calm down, Michael. We just want to know if you remember seeing Christopher Wooten anytime or anywhere that day.

Michael Rainey: I don't know. I'm lucky to remember what I did yesterday.

Detective Murphy: Well, try. Think back to what you did on Saturday. Maybe you went someplace to eat or did something special that day.

Michael Rainey: Let's see. Oh, I remember I called home that afternoon and asked for some extra money until I go home for summer break. That's always fun. And a bunch of my buddies in the dorm decided to go to Huddle House for something to eat.

Detective Murphy: Do you remember what time you went to Huddle House?

Michael Rainey: It was in the evening. Let's see. Around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. Oh yeah, I did see that guy you were talking about, Christopher whatever. I just kind of waved and said, "Hey." He was clear across the room, so we didn't talk. But yeah, I saw him there then.

Detective Armstrong: How did he seem to you?

Michael Rainey: I don't know. Normal?

Detective Armstrong: Was anyone with him?

Michael Rainey: No.

Detective Armstrong: Who left first: you or him?

Michael Rainey: I don't know. I think he was still there when we left, but I'm not sure.

Detective Armstrong: What time did you leave?

Michael Rainey: I don't remember. I know we were back at the dorm in time for the Celtics–Cavs, though.

Detective Armstrong: What now?

Michael Rainey: NBA? Playoffs?

Detective Armstrong: Okay. What time did that come on?

Michael Rainey: 7:30 p.m.

Detective Murphy: All right, Michael. Thanks very much. We appreciate your help.

Michael Rainey: Sure. No problem. I can go now?

Detective Murphy: Yes, you can go.

Interview ended – 4:26 p.m.