Chapter 60: Video
*The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls… - Edgar Allen Poe*
“I guess that leaves just me.” Douggie said as he nodded to his assistant to prepare the video footage. “Pursuant to state law, after the body cam video was viewed by the county DA and state attorney, the victim’s representative and the suspect representative, it is being made available to the public. The victim is twenty-one-year-old Jolene Fargo, wife of the suspect, officer Henry ‘Hank' Fargo, aged twenty-eight. Deputies Hendricks, Pawlowski and Jenson responded to the scene. Hendricks and Jenson arrived first; Thomas, please start the video.”
The two TVs on either side began to play the footage. The screen was split in half vertically showing both cameras.
“You can hear the crash and Mr. Fargo declaring, and I quote, I own you, bitch. At this point, the officers are concerned with the victim’s well-being and make a forced entry. They identify themselves and the suspect turns on the deputies and lunges forward to attack. They both discharged their tazers. Hendricks does not activate hers, even though it has been discharged.”
“You clearly hear Mr. Fargo being read his Miranda rights as deputy Jenson arrived.” The screens split again adding the third camera. “Jenson and Hendricks are tending to the victim and request medical transport. You can see the large puddles of blood that the deputies are in. And here, as deputy Jenson moves, you see the wood embedded in the victim’s leg. This is from the coffee table that she was thrown into.”
The screen changed, now only showing Jenson and Hendricks as they tried to stabilize Jolene. The three paramedics arrived and took over. Hendricks stayed with Jolene helping them. Jenson stood up and carefully moved away.
“Watching the left side of the screen, you see Hendricks body cam, and, in a moment, you’ll see the victim’s body be rolled and the two-inch gash on the back of her head. On the right side, you’ll see in the Jenson body cam, as he moves back, the total destruction of the apartment comes into view. On the far wall, you can see the spot where she made contact with it.”
“Can we move to the sheriff’s cam?” Douggie asked as the screens went black and then a Morgan City patrol car and police officer came into view. “We have asked the MCPD for their cam footage and they stated that Sergeant David Wells did not activate his camera. Isn’t that correct, Chief?”
“Uhh, yes.”
“Yet, as we see here in the video, body cam light is on, indicating that it is actively filming. I am sure that it was an oversight and that the MCPD will turn over the footage. Right, Chief?”
“Yes, absolutely.” He said as an angry blush crept up his face.
“We can fast forward through this part. The sheriff is speaking with a neighbor and the reporting party. Investigator Shepard arrives and please slow this down. You see the victim being loaded into the ambulance with EMT Harris performing chest compressions. This is not something that occurs with a typical marital dispute.”
“I am not at liberty to disclose the extent of the injuries. Suffice to say, they are extensive. Yes, here we have captain Graham arriving and he is not happy with his officer having been arrested. The sheriff did tell him that he would have access to the crime scene once it was cleared. Can we have the audio on this part, please?”
From the TV the voice of Hank saying that it was all just a misunderstanding filled the room. Followed by the captain trying to convince the sheriff to release Hank since he was a good guy.
“That’s enough.” Douggie said and the audio was turned off. The screen then started to show crime scene photos.
Measurements of the pools of blood. A tooth on the floor. Hank’s busted knuckles. The smashed furniture. Fallen pictures. The dirty dish rag that had been shoved down Jolene’s throat.
“Make no mistake, we will investigate this and arrest anyone who aided this abuser under the Grace Stoubaugh Law. If that investigation proves that nothing was done by the police department, we will address this also. This is not something that we are going to allow to happen in our state. And certainly not going to stand by while it happens here in Morgan City. I am certain that I will have the full cooperation of the local authorities.”
“Absolutely.” Gina replied.
All eyes were then on the police chief. “Of course.” He muttered.
“Are there any additional questions?” Douggie asked.
“Stephen Lee with channel nine. Chief, do you feel as though the sheriff overstepped her authority?”
“Yes. Personally, I do. The city is my jurisdiction.”
“Same question, sheriff.” The reporter said.
“No. I was voted into my position by the residents of this county. Not by the residents of the county excluding Morgan City. And yes, Morgan City is his jurisdiction. But that jurisdiction lies smack dab in the middle of mine. And mine is in the state’s jurisdiction.”
“I believe what the sheriff is saying,” Douggie said gently as the chief glared at the sheriff, “is that we all need to work together to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
They took a few more questions before Douggie ended the press conference. “Sorry, folks, but I have a meeting to get to. If you have any questions, please get with my PA. Any of the videos and pictures that are available may be requested through him also. Not all the audio is being released as this is still an open investigation.”
Marti stood up and shook their hands before she left without making any additional comments, other than ‘no comment.’ The three law enforcement officers walked into the hall of the municipal building. The chief forced the door closed behind them.
“You made me, and my department look like fools.” Devonshire growled out.
“No.” Douggie said angrily as he turned and faced him. “You and your department did that on your own. I’m going to give you this warning once and only once. Get your house in order. If not, someone else will.”
“Don’t threaten me, Douggie.”
“I’m not.”
“Douggie.” Gina said trying to diffuse the situation. “We have a meeting.”
“I guess I’m not invited to that one either.” Devonshire sneered.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure the mayor will want to meet with you soon enough.” Douggie warned the other man.
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