Interview with Carl Rose

This interview was conducted on February 12, 1992, at the Yoknapatawpha County Detention Center. Present were subject Rose and Detective Terrence Nelson

Q=Det. T. Nelson
A=Carl Rose

Q: Mr. Rose, first of all, I'd like to say how sorry I and my department are for your loss.

A: Thank you. That's very appreciated.

Q: When did you hear about your wife's death?

A: Someone from your department, I believe, called me. I don't remember. I think I went into shock. It was about four o' clock yesterday.

Q: Where were you when you heard the news?

A: I was in my office at Morgan and Morgan. We were getting ready for a big case the next day.

Q: Who is we?

A: Myself and two other people --my secretary Paula and an intern, Greg Woolworth, from the university law school.

Q: Did you leave the office at that time?

A: Yes.

Q: Where did you go?

A: I went directly to the morgue where I talked to the coroner [Jennifer Johnson], and she showed me the body and I said, yes, that is my wife. And I broke down right there. I sat outside in the hallway for a while. And then I called Kelly.

Q: Your wife's business partner?

A: Yes. I called her and told her. She was at home. She was very upset, as upset as I was.

Q: You called her from the morgue?

A: Yes.

Q: Where were you for most of that day?

A: I was in my office, as I've said. My subordinates will verify that for you if you wish.

Q: Thank you. Mr. Rose, did your wife have a life insurance policy?

A: Yes, she did. We took out dual policies on each other when we were married.

Q: And you are the beneficiary to her policy, I assume?

A: Yes, I am.

Q: And how much is it for?

A: That's confidential.

Q: Not really, Mr. Rose. I could find out with a phone call, but you could save me that time and trouble, if you'd be so kind.

A: Two million dollars.

Q: I see. Why did you take it out for so much?

A: It seemed standard for someone of our liquid worth. The agent said it was a good round figure.

Q: And your agent is?

A: Johnny Stark, he's a Allstate agent, right off the square on Lamar. He helped Trudi and I, almost from the beginning with Cupids Couples. He helped us get that going--in a large part. And so I stuck with him when he suggested because our worth had grown so much that we could need more protection in case anything bad ever happened to either one of us. Now something has happened to Trudi.

Q: Do you know if your wife had any enemies, Mr. Rose?

A: None that I know of. She was a wonderful, sweet woman. Never gave anyone any trouble. I'm devastated.

Q: You realize that she was poisoned?

A: Yes, I read that, and the coroner told me too.

Q: Do you have any experiences with poisons?

A: I see where this is going, and no, I don't. Are you planning to charge me with anything?

Q: No, I'm not. I just need these questions answered. Everyone who was close to Mrs. Rose is being interviewed. What kind of gifts did you buy your wife for holidays and anniversaries, birthdays?

A: The usual --jewelry, and I got her a new car one year. We usually just went out to dinner n Valentine's Day --didn't worry about gifts. I would never have bought her such a cheap box of candy, anyway. She always liked the best. The best of everything.

Q: When was the last time you saw your wife?

A: Yesterday morning, when we each left for work. She was excited because business was really good. It always is around this time of year, spring's coming, there's still a nip in the air, and Valentine's Day. It's like tax time for an accountant. Plenty of work.

Q: Did she seem out of the ordinary in any way?

A: No. She mentioned that she needed to get to the office because she had a lot of work to do. That was about all. I told her I loved her and then I sent her on her way.

Q: And then the next time that you heard from her was when you heard that she was dead?

A: That's correct.

Q: What did you wife usually do for lunch?

A: She usually went to one of the places on the Square or just went over to Chevron. It's across the street, you know.

Q: Did she mention that she was having any trouble with anyone?

A: What kind of trouble?

Q: Any kind.

A: No.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Just that I hope that you catch whoever did this. And if I can help you in any way please call me.

Q We will. Thanks for coming in. I know this is a hard time for you.

A: You're welcome.