Updated Direct Examination Flashcards
Please state your name for the record.
Det. Melanie Nichols
Thank you, Detective. Now, where do you work
I am a homicide detective for the Midlands City Police Department
Have you worked in the police force long?
I have prior experience in the Midlands State Highway Patrol and Midlands City Police Department in the Vice and Narcotics unit, as well as the homicide unit where I am today.
Do you recall what happened the night of July 16, starting at about 11 PM?
Yes, I was working that night. I responded to an incident call in the Jaywood Building condos at about 11:10 in Downtown Midlands City to investigate a report of a potential homicide
What happened next?
I briefly spoke with the officers on scene, who identified the victim as Kerry Bell Leon, who was found unconscious. I spoke with Kerry once she regained consciousness and pointed out her attacker, Dylan Hendricks. She reported that Hendricks came at her with a gun, which she was able to knock away and after a struggle, she was strangled with an extension cord until she passed out.
Did Kerry have any injuries?
Yes, she had a bump above her right eye as well as bruises around her neck.
What can you tell us about the crime scene?
It took place in Bell Leon’s condo on the sixth floor of the Jaywood Building
Would you recognize a model of the condo’s floor plan if I showed it to you?
Yes, I would.
Brings in Exhibit 10
What did you find in the condo?
I found broken furniture scattered as well as a key and extension cord on the living room floor.
Would you recognize that key if I showed it to you?
Yes
What can you tell us about this key?
I had been informed that the crime involved breaking and entering. So when I found that key, I wanted to see if maybe that was the key the intruder had used. The key opened the front and back doors of the condo, as well as the door at the bottom of the fire escape.
Let’s talk about those doors. When you got to the scene, was there anything out of the ordinary about them?
There was clearly no forced entry through any of them. However, I did notice that the door to the utility closet and the back door to the condo were wide open.
Can you locate those on the floor plan for us?
Yes. They’re right next to each other and they make a straight path out of the apartment toward the fire escape.
Okay, the fire escape. Where does that lead?
To a locked door under a maroon awning
Did you operate the door yourself?
Yes. I walked downstairs to test the key on the door.
And how did it work?
It automatically locked once it closed. After I opened the door, it swung closed and locked tight.
Are you familiar with the area surrounding the crime scene?
Yes.
Would you recognize a map of the area if I showed one to you?
Yes.
Introduces exhibit 9
Did you speak to any other witnesses that night?
Yes I spoke with a man named ‘Mickey’, Morgan Jones, and Charlie Waters, who all saw Kerry’s assailant outside her building.