Jillian Ross interview #2

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – 12:10 p.m.

Jill Ross is the Acting District Attorney for Yoknapatawpha County since Spenser Brooks's murder.

Detectives Armstrong and Murphy spoke to her again at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Jillian Ross

Detective Armstrong: We have to do this again, Jill. Please state your name and address for the record.

Jill Ross: I know how it works, Ted. My name is Jillian Ross, and my address is 390 Elm Street, Oxford.

Detective Murphy: So, how do you like being the DA? Is it working out for you?

Jill Ross: It's where I belong. I love it. I've taken to it like a duck to water.

Detective Armstrong: So, like I said last time, Spenser's death has been quite the blessing for you.

Jill Ross: Can't say that I am pleased with the way I got the title, but I don't miss him one little bit. The tension in the office is gone. Everyone is working together, and things are getting done … finally.

Detective Armstrong: Several people in the office told us that you were the cause of the tension.

Jill Ross: Ridiculous! Maybe I was tense because of Spenser? Maybe they just didn't realize it? I am telling you, wherever it came from, the tension has lifted. Everything in that office is working like a well-oiled machine now.

Detective Murphy: I guess it all depends on your perspective.

Jill Ross: I disagree. I think the employees are just afraid to get involved now that a murder investigation is ongoing. Finnegan, however, is another story. He is a busybody—nosy and a complete nuisance. He thinks he knows everything, and he sure tries to.

Detective Armstrong: Are you planning to fire him as one of your investigators?

Jill Ross: I hope it won't come to that.

Detective Murphy: How do you know Louis Watson?

Jill Ross: I know him from bar association meetings, and how is that any of your business anyway?

Detective Armstrong: Oh, it is definitely our business. Did you talk with him about the crackdown on underage drinking?

Jill Ross: Yes, we discussed it. What of it?

Detective Armstrong: Did the two of you agree on the issue?

Jill Ross: Where is this headed, Ted?

Detective Armstrong: Just answer the question, Jill.

Jill Ross: I can understand his concerns.

Detective Armstrong: Did you offer to help him?

Jill Ross: Help him how? What are you suggesting?

Detective Armstrong: I'm just trying to understand what your relationship is.

Jill Ross: How dare you? We are colleagues, nothing more. And I would not betray my office in any form or fashion, not for anyone.

Detective Armstrong: Louis was pretty angry at Spenser, wasn't he?

Jill Ross: He was far from the only one.

Detective Armstrong: Why didn't you mention him as someone who had a conflict with Spenser?

Jill Ross: I didn't think it was relevant, still don't. Louis isn't a hothead like Alderman Collins.

Detective Armstrong: Interesting. Tell us again where you were the day Spenser was killed.

Jill Ross: I was home. I may have gone to the store or something. I don't remember now.

Detective Armstrong: You said you never left the house.

Jill Ross: Then I didn't.

Detective Armstrong: I'm going to ask you one more time: did you kill Spenser Brooks?

Jill Ross: And I'm going to tell you one more time that I did not.

Detective Armstrong: Do you know who did?

Jill Ross: No, but have you considered that it just might've been some outraged college kid who was infuriated by the recent crackdown on college drinking? This town is full of them, and 80% of them hated that man.

Detective Murphy: Jill, can anyone confirm your whereabouts on the day Spenser was shot?

Jill Ross: No. I was alone. I'm done here. I'm not answering any more questions without my attorney present. Do we need to call her?

Detective Armstrong: No, you can go. We'll be in touch.

Interview ended – 12:27 p.m.