James Cuthbert interview

Friday, August 2, 2024 – 12:30 p.m.

James Cuthbert is married to Nicolette Cuthbert, Kelly Moran's friend.

Detectives Armstrong and Murphy spoke with him at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• James Cuthbert

Detective Armstrong: Thank you for speaking with us, Dr. Cuthbert. We'll try not to take up too much of your time.

James Cuthbert: I appreciate that.

Detective Armstrong: Would you please state your name and address for the record?

James Cuthbert: I am Dr. James Cuthbert. My address is 106 Ole Miss Drive.

Detective Murphy: When did you last see Kelly Moran?

James Cuthbert: At a cocktail party, I guess it was about a week ago, at the Lees'.

Detective Murphy: How did she seem?

James Cuthbert: Well enough, I suppose. I remember she asked me about pain meds.

Detective Murphy: Were you her physician?

James Cuthbert: No, I'm an oncologist. I don't have a general practice. People ask you all sorts of things when they find out you're a doctor, looking for a little free medical advice. And, of course, pain management is an integral part of my practice.

Detective Murphy: What did she want to know?

James Cuthbert: Looking for a recommendation for something more effective than what she had been taking. I understand she had some sort of back condition.

Detective Murphy: What did you prescribe?

James Cuthbert: I didn't prescribe anything. I wouldn't prescribe for someone who was not my patient. I told her, for the sort of discomfort she described, that Oxycodone was a good choice.

Detective Murphy: Did she seem to you like she was in pain at that time when you two were talking?

James Cuthbert: I really couldn't say.

Detective Armstrong: Did you get along with Mrs. Moran?

James Cuthbert: Yes, She was really my wife's friend.

Detective Armstrong: Do you know anyone who didn't get along with her?

James Cuthbert: Well, I'm a specialist, but the social ins and outs of the distaff side of the Oxford population is not part of my specialty. I've always found women's social skirmishes too trivial to bother with. Uh, no offense.

Detective Armstrong: So you couldn't tell us if she was having a problem with any particular—

James Cuthbert: Look, Kelly was a moody, difficult woman. People like that can rub other people the wrong way. Can I point to anyone specific? No, I can't. I didn't know her all that well.

Detective Murphy: How about her husband? Did they have a happy marriage?

James Cuthbert: I'll refer you to my previous answer. I didn't know her all that well. Are we about done here? I've got to get over to the hospital. I have a patient coming in very shortly.

Detective Murphy: Just one last thing, sir. Can you account for your whereabouts this past Wednesday night?

James Cuthbert: My whereabouts? I was playing poker until quite late with some colleagues at Dr. Tilden's house. I can give you a list of the participants if you wish.

Detective Murphy: Thank you, sir. That would be helpful. Do you happen to know where your wife was that night?

 James Cuthbert: At home, I believe. She may have gone out with some of her friends for a time, I suppose. I know she was in bed asleep when I got home.

Detective Armstrong: So, if you were us, doctor, where would you look next?

James Cuthbert: Detective, if I were you, I'd go home and get a good night's sleep. You both look like you could use it.

Interview ended – 12:47 p.m.