Page 45

DOI: 25 DECEMBER 1999

ABSTRACT

First responder to suspected homicide at single-detached dwelling in suburban neighbourhood; response instigated by an anonymous call (see call log)

INTERDEPARTMENTAL DEbrIEF [TRANSCRIPT]

Officer on Duty: Det. Jay Ruta

Interviewer: Shailene Marr

[Marr]

Can I get you a cup of coffee or something?

[Ruta]

I’m not going to be able to sleep for a week as it is.

[Marr]

Decaf, then.

[Ruta]

Let’s just get this over with.

[Marr]

I hate this part as much as you do, but let’s cross the t’s while they’re fresh, okay?

[Ruta]

I know the drill.

[Marr]

Please, begin.

[Ruta]

I was doing the holiday RIDE program, and heard Sherry dispatch all available units for a possible 187. I was less than a block from the scene so I headed right over, figuring it might take a few minutes for some of the guys to make it out, holidays and all...

[Marr]

Sneaking home to put out cookies and tuck in the kids.

[Ruta]

You said it, not me.

[Marr]

So what happened out there?

[Ruta]

Paramedics were already on the scene. I thought I saw someone climb out a basement window and take off across the neighbour’s lawn.

[Marr]

Can you describe the person?

[Ruta]

Honestly? No. The lighting was shit, they were dressed all in black, and they moved so quick I never got another look at them.

[Marr]

Even though you pursued on foot?

[Ruta]

Even though I pursued on foot. They just evaporated.

[Marr]

Then what?

[Ruta]

I returned to the residence and announced myself at the door before I entered the building. [Unintelligible noise; muffled microphone] I followed the voices downstairs – it was professionals talking, but they sounded distressed. I didn’t even get around the corner before Kim was officially calling time of death.

[Marr]

That’s the paramedic, Kim Orson?

[Ruta]

Yes. Kim Orson. She was standing in the hallway calling time of death to her colleague. Susan, I think.

[Marr]

Susan Werner.

[Ruta]

They both looked… shaken up. I’ve seen Kim elbow-deep in blood before, Shailene, but I’ve never really seen them rattled like that. It concerned me, so I unholstered my weapon and announced that I was entering the room.

[Marr]

Okay. And then what?

[Ruta]

And that’s when shit hit the fucking fan.