Gloria Hammond interview #2

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

Gloria Hammond was Missy Hammond's former mother-in-law.

Detective Armstrong re-interviewed her at the Farrell Motors dealership in Oxford.

The interview was recorded with the witness's knowledge and consent.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Gloria Hammond

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

Gloria Hammond: 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.

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

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

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

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

Detective Armstrong: OK, 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?

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

Detective Armstrong: 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 these meetings. And now, I want to know why you didn't tell me this before.

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

Detective Armstrong: 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.

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

Detective Armstrong: 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.

Gloria Hammond: All right.

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

Gloria Hammond: 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.

Detective Armstrong: Are you helping Roger file for custody of Liddie?

Gloria Hammond: Of course we're supporting our son in any way possible in his effort to regain custody of his daughter.

Detective Armstrong: Are you supporting Roger financially?

Gloria Hammond: Surely someone's financial records can remain private-

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

Gloria Hammond: 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.

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

Gloria Hammond: Total?

Detective Armstrong: Yes.

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

Detective Armstrong: 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?

Gloria Hammond: What Roger does with his money is his business.

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

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

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

Gloria Hammond: Yes.

Detective Armstrong: And when did you see Roger?

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

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

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

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

Gloria Hammond: 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.

Detective Armstrong: How did Roger appear that day?

Gloria Hammond: He was the same as usual.

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

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

Detective Armstrong: I'm sure he was.

Gloria Hammond: What do you mean with that snide remark?

Detective Armstrong: 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.

Gloria Hammond: You can believe what you want to believe, Detective.

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

Gloria Hammond: This is the most ridiculous conversation I've ever had. I'm going to make sure you're reprimanded for this!

Detective Armstrong: 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?

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

Detective Armstrong: In what ways?

Gloria Hammond: 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.

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

Gloria Hammond: 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.

Detective Armstrong: Hurts that whole respectability thing, huh?

Gloria Hammond: That's not what I mean, Detective.

Detective Armstrong: I'm going to be blunt here. And respectability be damned. Do you think Roger could be capable of any violence towards Missy?

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

Detective Armstrong: 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.