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Witness Interview: Gloria Hammond, victim's ex-mother-in-law
 

Monday, February 26, 2001, 10:30 a.m.

The witness, identified as the victim's ex mother-in-law, was re-interviewed at the Farrell Motors car dealership in Oxford. The interview was conducted by Det. Armstrong and was recorded on a portable audio tape recorder with the witness's knowledge and consent.

TA = Detective Ted Armstrong
GH = Gloria Hammond

TA: I'm glad you could finally find time to fit me into your schedule, Mrs. Hammond.

GH: Well, I'm not terribly pleased with the interruption. I talked to you at length last time and I have no idea what I can tell you now that would be any different.

TA: Yes, well, anyway. Please state your name and address.

GH: That hasn't changed in the time since we spoke.

TA: I know, but I still need you to give it to me again. It's just standard requirements.

GH: I am Gloria Hammond and I live at 934 Hayes.

TA: Okay, Mrs. Hammond. I have a few more questions for you. First of all, why didn't you tell us that you were helping Roger to see his daughter, in obvious violation of the custody order?

GH: I certainly have no idea of what you're describing.

TA: Don't act all offended, Mrs. Hammond. I know for a fact that Roger was seeing his daughter, even though the courts specifically said he was not to have any contact with Liddie. And I know for a fact that you were facilitating this meeting. And now, I want to know why you didn't tell me this before.

GH: Well, I suppose that I didn't see what bearing it had on our conversation.

TA: You didn't see how the fact that your son is breaking the law had any bearing on our discussion? You're not that dumb.

GH: Now look here, Detective. You have no right to take that tone with me. I am a respected member of this com-

TA: I have every right to take that tone with you! You lied to us. In fact, I have every right to charge you with obstruction of justice. Unless you want to go to jail, you'd better drop the attitude and start answering my questions.

GH: All right.

TA: Now, answer my question. Why didn't you tell me?

GH: I don't know. I suppose that I was afraid of Roger getting into even more trouble. And it seemed to be doing so much good for Liddie. I certainly didn't want her entirely left to Melissa.

TA: Are you helping Roger file for custody of Liddie?

GH: Of course we are supporting our son in any way possible in his effort to regain custody of his daughter.

TA: Are you supporting Roger financially?

GH: Surely someone's financial records can remain private-

TA: I've had about enough of your crap, Mrs. Hammond. You'd better start answering questions. Now!

GH: Yes, we occasionally gave Roger some small loans from time to time. His child support payments are so large. It's very difficult for him.

TA: I'm sure it is. Do you have any idea of how much you've given him?

GH: Total?

TA: Yes.

GH: Well, I guess I don't know the exact figure. I would have to look it up.

TA: Yes. You do that. I'll be looking for that piece of information. Were you also helping him make the premium payments on the life insurance policy he had on Missy?

GH: What Roger does with his money is his business.

TA: But this is your money we're talking about. What did he do with the money you gave him?

GH: I'm sure I don't know. You'd have to ask him.

TA: Oh, we will. Now, on these Friday visits, did you pick up Liddie?

GH: Yes.

TA: And when did you see Roger?

GH: It's not like we did this every time, you know.

TA: Well on the times when you did help Roger see Liddie, did he meet you all, did you pick him up, what?

GH: He normally met us somewhere. Sometimes he would join us at dinner, but a lot of times, he just came over to the house.

TA: And on January 26th, was he with you the whole time?

GH: Yes, as far as I remember. He joined us at the skating rink around 4:30 or 5:00. Then, I think he remained with us until we left to take Liddie home.

TA: How did Roger appear that day?

GH: He was the same as usual.

TA: Same as usual? He wasn't upset or agitated or anything?

GH: No. I don't believe so. I'm sure he was acting very calmly and rationally.

TA: I'm sure he was.

GH: What do you mean with that snide remark?

TA: I mean that I don't believe that you would tell me anything other than that. If he was upset or angry or nervous, you wouldn't tell me the truth.

GH: You can believe what you want to believe, Detective.

TA: Mrs. Hammond, have you ever heard any rumors about the fact that Roger might not be Liddie's father?

GH: This is the most ridiculous conversation I've ever had. I'm going to make sure that you are reprimanded for this!

TA: That's fine. You know, I'm getting a bit tired of your evasions, Mrs. Hammond. Let me ask you this. Hopefully this one won't throw you off too much. What do you think of Roger's girlfriend, Selena Crosscroft?

GH: She can be a very nice lady. In many ways, she's been very good for Roger.

TA: In what ways?

GH: She has encouraged his attempts to regain custody of Liddie. She has worked with him to restore Liddie's trust and re-build their relationship.

TA: In what ways has she not been very good for Roger?

GH: Her more, how can I say it, aggressive politics. She has written articles and things on Roger's situation and although I appreciate her help, I wish that she would not publicize Roger's difficulties.

TA: Hurts that whole respectability thing, huh?

GH: That's not what I mean, Detective.

TA: I'm going to be blunt here. And respectability be damned. But, do you think Roger could be capable of any violence towards Missy?

GH: Of course not! And I resent you saying that. I want to have the name of your supervisor--

TA: I figured you would react that way. Tell you what, you think on that for a while and get more and more pissed off and I'll talk to you later. Thanks for your time.

End interview 11:08 a.m.

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