Heath Rushing interview #4

Sunday, October 31, 2021 – 12:15 a.m.

Heath Rushing is a board member of the Yoknapatawpha Players.

Detectives Beckwith and Magee spoke with him again at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.

Participants

• Detective P. Beckwith
• Detective J. Magee
• Heath Rushing

Detective Beckwith: Well, Mr. Rushing, it looks like we still have some matters to discuss.

Heath Rushing: Okay?

Detective Magee: At first, we thought we'd have to hold you on manslaughter charges because you unintentionally caused the death of someone while under the influence of an illegal drug, but now we're not sure that Scott's death was an accident.

Heath Rushing: What do you mean?

Detective Beckwith: We mean that Scott was dead before you dropped that wall on him. 

Heath Rushing: And you think I had something to do with it?

Detective Magee: Martin Vargas does. He told us you were already backstage, leaving the scene of the crime.

Heath Rushing: Martin said that?

Detective Beckwith: That's right.

Heath Rushing: I already told you I was backstage. Martin had to have seen me after I accidentally knocked down the wall.

Detective Magee: I'm sure he did, but you would've had time to do something to Scott prior to Martin seeing you.

Heath Rushing: No, not really. It took me some time to get out of the quarantine room.

Detective Beckwith: Wait, I thought you said you were tripping on mushrooms then. How do you know it took time to get out?

Heath Rushing: I think I remember it did.

Detective Magee: It looks like your 'shroom haze is getting pretty convenient for you. You seem to remember when you want to, now.

Heath Rushing: No, I'm telling you I don't know for sure.

Detective Beckwith: That you killed Scott?

Heath Rushing: No, that it took time to get out of the quarantine room. I don't know how long it took, but I have always remembered that it wasn't easy.

Detective Magee: Yet, we have to take your word that you were actually high that day.

Heath Rushing: You know. You saw me that day. You know!

Detective Beckwith: Maybe you're a good actor like your friends. 

Heath Rushing: I'm no actor. I'm just a board member.

Detective Magee: Well, there's still one major problem, Mr. Rushing. How do you explain that you had Scott's blood on you after his death?

Heath Rushing: What?

Detective Beckwith: If you only accidentally dropped a wall on Scott's body, there would be no way you would've been in contact with his blood, right?

Heath Rushing: I never touched him. I never even knew he was there.

Detective Magee: But, nevertheless, his blood was on you.

Heath Rushing: Y'all are bluffing. I never touched him.

Detective Beckwith: We can get you the forensics report on your clothes. 

Heath Rushing: Why would I kill Scott on purpose? 

Detective Magee: We were hoping you would tell us.

Heath Rushing: I didn't have a reason to kill Scott. I didn't even really know the guy.

Detective Beckwith: With the evidence we have, you're looking at a first-degree murder charge.

Heath Rushing: Look, you can ask Janet! She knows she locked me in, so she can tell you how long I was in the room.

Detective Beckwith: How would she know? She never claims to have been backstage in the area where Scott died.

Heath Rushing: No, but she would've heard me banging around in the room, so she would know it took time for me to get out.

Detective Magee: And if Janet says she never heard you at all?

Heath Rushing: Then, I'm going to get my dad to send that lawyer because someone's setting me up.

Detective Beckwith: All right, Detective Magee and I will be back shortly.

Heath Rushing: I would like a phone call.

Detective Magee: We'll arrange it.

Interview ended – 12:28 p.m.