Vincent Jones interview

Monday, May 22, 2023 – 9:30 a.m.

Sheriff's investigators tracked down the Oxford address and telephone number for Jordan Rodale, Devlin Beauchamp's half-brother.

Detective Armstrong contacted the Rodale residence on Monday morning, May 22, 2023, to schedule an interview with Jordan Rodale. Detective Armstrong spoke with Mr. Rodale's personal assistant, Vincent Jones.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Vincent Jones

Detective Armstrong: This is Detective Ted Armstrong of the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department. May I speak with Jordan Rodale, please?

Vincent Jones: I'm sorry. Mr. Rodale is out of town. Is there something I can help you with?

Detective Armstrong: Who am I speaking to, please?

Vincent Jones: My name is Vincent Jones. I'm Mr. Rodale's personal assistant.

Detective Armstrong: I see. And you say Mr. Rodale is out of town?

Vincent Jones: Yes, sir. He's traveling on business.

Detective Armstrong: When did he leave on this business trip?

Vincent Jones: Mr. Rodale flew out of Memphis this morning.

Detective Armstrong: Where did he go?

Vincent Jones: He's in New York, meeting with his publisher.

Detective Armstrong: When will he be back in Oxford?

Vincent Jones: I expect him back Friday.

Detective Armstrong: That's May 26th?

Vincent Jones: Yes.

Detective Armstrong: That's a pretty long trip for one meeting.

Vincent Jones: Mr. Rodale has several friends in New York. He'll be spending time with some of them before he returns.

Detective Armstrong: Okay. Well, we need to speak with him on an urgent matter. If I leave a message with you, will he get it before he gets back to Oxford?

Vincent Jones: Of course, sir.

Detective Armstrong: Please tell Mr. Rodale that we need to speak with him as soon as possible regarding his brother, Devlin Beauchamp.

Vincent Jones: His half-brother.

Detective Armstrong: What? Yes, of course. His half-brother. Would you please ask Mr. Rodale to contact us at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department? He can speak to either Detective Sam Murphy or to me, Detective Ted Armstrong. Have you got all that?

Vincent Jones: Yes, sir. You'd like him to contact you or Detective Murphy at the sheriff's office regarding Mr. Beauchamp.

Detective Armstrong: That's correct. And it is vital that we speak with him as soon as possible. If he could get in touch with us today, that would be best.

Vincent Jones: Is there anything else you'd like me to include in the message?

Detective Armstrong: No, thank you. Just make sure he understands it's very urgent that we talk to him. I'd hate for us to have to track him down in New York. Some folks find that a little embarrassing.

Vincent Jones: I see.

Detective Armstrong: So you'll make sure he gets back to us today?

Vincent Jones: I'll do my best, detective.

Detective Armstrong: Thank you. If we don't hear from him, I'll be back in touch with you tomorrow, Mr. Jones.

Vincent Jones: I understand. I'll pass your message on to Mr. Rodale when I speak to him. You have a nice day, Detective Armstrong.

Detective Armstrong: You too, Mr. Jones. Thank you for your help. Good-bye.

Interview ended – 9:34 a.m.