Chapter 389: Joint Crime
Luke scrutinized Darwin Morrison; the Canyon Police Detective Department listed him as a primary suspect mainly based on three points.
First, he was the last person the victim contacted, and the victim even texted him to meet on Highway 1;
Second, during the crime timeframe, he drove to Highway 1 but falsely claimed he hadn't been there, which is the most suspicious thing about him;
Third, the police found a shoe print at the crime scene that seemed to be left by the killer, and the deduced height and foot length are similar to Darwin Morrison.
Luke determined through footprint identification that the footprints at the crime scene were left by a woman, which did not match Darwin Morrison's gender or height, allowing the third suspicion to be ruled out, unable to prove that Darwin Morrison was at the crime scene.
As for the first two suspicions, they only prove that Darwin Morrison has some suspicion, but it's far from enough to convict him.
Moreover, through the recent statement, Luke did not detect obvious lying from the other party; however, he kept refusing to disclose the reason for meeting the victim, which undoubtedly suggests concealment.
Even if he is not the murderer, he is very likely an informant.
Luke said earnestly, "Mr. Morrison, we are not here today to arrest you; on the contrary, we are here to help you, to prove your innocence.
But the premise is that you are willing to assist us; if you keep a non-cooperative attitude, we want to help you, but we are powerless."
Darwin Morrison said, "I have been assisting your investigation; what I just said is all true."
"Perhaps what you told the police is true, but you surely concealed some things, which is detrimental to you, such as why you rushed to a secluded place late at night to meet the victim; what hidden secrets exist between you two.
If you can explain this point clearly, it would be very helpful to the investigation of the case."
Darwin Morrison pursed his lips, "It's my private matter... I have the right to privacy."
"Correct, you do have the right to privacy, but Kilo Jones was brutally murdered, his body discarded by the roadside.
To find out the cause of his death, we need to understand the people he contacted and the actions he took before his demise.
I have made it very clear; I respect your right to privacy, but it cannot affect the investigation, even if you are unwilling to speak, we will investigate the relationship between you two.
For instance, we will visit the surrounding neighbors; if one doesn't work, we will visit the next, we will visit all the neighbors in the community, and believe that someone can provide some valuable clues."
Darwin Morrison clenched his fists, disgruntled, "You are invading my privacy."
"No, I am investigating a case." Luke's subtext was unmistakable: either tell the police, or let all the community neighbors know.
Darwin Morrison glared at Luke, grabbing his hair forcefully, "He was getting very close to my wife; I asked to meet him for a man-to-man talk, to tell him to stay away from my wife.
Don't tell anyone... I don't want people to know about this."
Luke's expression did not change, but in his heart, he noted down a motive.
"Do you have a handgun?"
"No, I don't need something like that."
"On December 25th, between ten and twelve at night, where were you?" These were the hours around the time the officer was shot.
"I was at home."
"Can anyone confirm that for you?"
"My wife."
"During this time, you two were always together."
"Yes, we watched TV together; it was her favorite show, and we went to bed afterward.
Neither of us went out."
"What do you think about Kilo Jones's death?"
"I don't know what to say; when I first met him, he was a nice neighbor, humorous, and witty. It's hard to feel bored with him around, but... this guy's personal life is somewhat unscrupulous, likes to court women. Not only my wife, but also other female neighbors, and from this, he... is quite annoying.
I wanted to punch him, but I wouldn't kill him.
I also don't have a gun."
"Creak..."
At this moment, the door opened from the outside, and a black woman walked in, "Honey, do we have company?"
"These two are the officers investigating Kilo Jones's case, they are here to understand the situation." Darwin Morrison finished, then introduced to Luke and Rey, "This is my wife."
Luke looked at the black woman, who seemed to be in her early thirties, wearing a dark blue trench coat, black shoes, and holding a bag, "I am Luke Lee, captain of Squad One of the Robbery and Murder Department.
Ma'am, if convenient, I'd like to speak with you."
Mrs. Morrison put the bag on the shoe cabinet, "What do you want to talk about?"
"Just a simple few questions."
Mrs. Morrison hesitated for a moment, looked at her husband, then nodded slightly, "OK."
With a gesture from Luke, Darwin Morrison went into the bedroom to avoid, leaving only Luke, Captain Rey, and Mrs. Morrison in the room.
"Ma'am, do you know the deceased Kilo Jones?"
"Yes, he was our neighbor, and we often gathered together when time allowed. He was a good man... such a pity." Mrs. Morrison revealed a look of sorrow.
"How was his relationship with your husband?"
"As far as I know, pretty good."