JoAnna Laughlin interview #2

Tuesday, August 26 – 11:15 a.m.

JoAnna Laughlin is Chas Laughlin's wife.

Detectives Beckwith and Magee re-interviewed her at her residence.

Participants:

• Detective P. Beckwith
• Detective J. Magee
• JoAnna Laughlin

Detective Magee: Thank you for seeing us again, Mrs. Laughlin. Will you please state your full name and address for the record?

JoAnna Laughlin: JoAnna Laughlin. 310 North 16th St, Oxford, Mississippi. What do you people want this time?

Detective Magee: We won't take up too much of your time. We'd just like you to look at some photos.

JoAnna Laughlin: What for?

Detective Beckwith: You told us last time that you saw a man in a dark SUV parked at the Oxford Ridge apartments.

JoAnna Laughlin: Yeah. So?

Detective Beckwith: We were hoping you would look at these photos and see if you recognize anyone.

JoAnna Laughlin: Why would I want to help you?

Detective Beckwith: Why wouldn't you?

JoAnna Laughlin: The way you been harassing me and Chas? Grilling us over and over for no good reason, pulling out his hair, taking his blood, turning my house upside down like you never been anywhere civilized in your life?

Detective Magee: We apologize for any inconvenience. Still, you do want to help us solve this murder, don't you?

JoAnna Laughlin: What do I care? Andy Fine was a no-good bastard. Ain't no one who ain't better off without him around.

Detective Beckwith: Just look at the photos, please, ma'am.

JoAnna Laughlin: What for? I done told you that was a long time ago, and I don't remember nothing about that man.

Detective Magee: Just humor us, if you would.

JoAnna Laughlin: I do, and then you'll get on out of here and leave us alone?

Detective Beckwith: You look at the photos and tell us if you recognize anyone, and we'll get out of your hair today.

JoAnna Laughlin: Today, but not forever?

Detective Magee: Mrs. Laughlin, please.

JoAnna Laughlin: Fine. Show me them photos. Let's get this over with.

Detective Beckwith: Here they are. Take your time. The man you saw may be in one of these photos, or he may not.

JoAnna Laughlin: How long you want me to wait before I tell you again I don't remember?

Detective Magee: Is that the truth? You don't recognize any of these men?

JoAnna Laughlin: That's what I said.

Detective Beckwith: Are you sure? Because I got a feeling you have something else to say.

JoAnna Laughlin: Anything else I got to say wouldn't be polite. I don't remember who I saw that night. I can't help you.

Detective Beckwith: Can't or won't?

JoAnna Laughlin: What's the difference? If y'all are about done wasting my time today, I got things to do.

Detective Beckwith: Yeah. Okay. Thank you so much for all your help, Mrs. Laughlin.

JoAnna Laughlin: Don't you give me attitude in my own house. Get on out of here. Go!

Detective Magee: Thanks for your time, ma'am. We'll be in touch.

JoAnna Laughlin: Next time you want something from me and Chas, call our lawyer first.

Interview ended – 11:27 a.m.