Elena Harte alibi check

Janet Johnson

Janet Johnson lives across the street from Elena and Jeff Harte.

Participants:

• Detective S. Murphy
• Detective E. Parker
• Janet Johnson

Detective Parker: Mrs. Johnson, if you don't mind, we'd like to ask you a few questions about your neighbor Elena Harte.

Janet Johnson: Does this have to do with that woman who was killed at Jeff's business?

Detective Murphy: How long have you known Mrs. Harte?

Janet Johnson: It's been about five years since we moved into the neighborhood, and I met her shortly after that.

Detective Murphy: What is your opinion of Mrs. Harte?

Janet Johnson: Elena is a very sweet and caring person. She and Jeff are good neighbors. We've had them over a couple of times for a barbecue. They're both so busy with their jobs. It's going to be a big change for them when that baby gets here.

Detective Parker: Has Elena ever confided in you about anything involving Annette Wyatt?

Janet Johnson: She's mentioned Annette to me, but I never met her. I think Elena wanted Jeff to fire her. She didn't like the idea they had dated and still worked together. I'm sure she was a little jealous. What wife wouldn't be?

Detective Parker: Did you see Elena Harte on Saturday?

Janet Johnson: I saw her in the afternoon around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. She came out of the house, waved at me, and went back inside. When my husband and I left to go to my parents' a little before 7:00 p.m., I saw Jeff drive in, and Elena's car was still there. We didn't get home till after 10:00 p.m., and their lights were out in the house.

Detective Murphy: Were both of their cars there at that time?

Janet Johnson: I guess so.

Detective Parker: Thank you, Mrs. Johnson.

Courtney Barnes

Courtney Barnes lives next door to Elena and Jeff Harte.

Participants:

• Detective S. Murphy
• Detective E. Parker
• Courtney Barnes

Detective Murphy: Ms. Barnes, we'd like to ask you a few questions about your neighbor Elena Harte.

Courtney Barnes: Of course. Is this about the woman that was murdered at the Harte Agency? You can't possibly think Elena had anything to do with it. She's such a sweet person. I can't see her hurting anyone.

Detective Murphy: Did you see Mrs. Harte on Saturday?

Courtney Barnes: No. I got up early Saturday morning and went with my parents to visit my aunt in Georgia. We didn't come back until Monday afternoon.

Detective Parker: Did you happen to see either of the Hartes as you were leaving?

Courtney Barnes: No, but I did notice that both of their cars were in the driveway.

Detective Parker: Thank you for your time, Ms. Barnes.

Courtney Barnes: No problem. I surely hope you find that poor girl's killer.

Clara Vaughn

Clara Vaughn lives across the street from Elena and Jeff Harte.

Participants:

• Detective S. Murphy
• Detective E. Parker
• Clara Vaughn

Detective Murphy: Hello, Ms. Vaughn. We'd like a few minutes of your time to ask you a few questions about Elena Harte.

Clara Vaughn: Two lady detectives. I'm impressed! Call me Clara. Don't just stand there. Come on in and sit down. Does this have to do with that woman who was murdered? My neighbor Janet told me about her.

Detective Murphy: Thank you, Clara. How well do you know the Hartes?

Clara Vaughn: I've known Elena and Jeff since they moved here. They're a nice couple, and I talk to them maybe once a week. They both work too much. I told Elena she needed to slow down now that she's pregnant. That's the problem with folks today. No one has time to just sit and talk.

Detective Parker: Mrs. Vaughn, did you notice if the Hartes were home on Saturday evening?

Clara Vaughn: I got up early in the morning and sat on the porch to enjoy a cup of coffee. I saw Jeff leave for work, but I don't know the exact time he left, just that it was around 8:00 a.m.

Detective Parker: What about Mrs. Harte? Did you see her at all?

Clara Vaughn: Elena's car was there all day, as far as I know. I usually take an afternoon nap around 2:00 p.m. for a couple hours. When you get to be 75 years old, you need your rest.

Detective Murphy: Did you see either of them that evening or anytime that night?

Clara Vaughn: I went to let the cat in after my TV show went off at 9:00 p.m., and both of their cars were there. I went to bed shortly after that.

Detective Parker: Thank you very much for your time, Mrs. Vaughn.

Clara Vaughn: Oh, you ladies are welcome to come back by to chat anytime.