Wednesday, February 2, 2000 - 1:20 p.m.

After taking statements from other witnesses, the detectives leading the Devlin Beauchamp murder investigation determined that Ms. Webster should be further questioned regarding the Mr. Beauchamp's death. Ms. Webster came in voluntarily in response to the detectives' request for an interview. Ms. Webster was questioned at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Office by Detective Ted Armstrong.

TA = Det. Ted Armstrong
MW = Mickie Webster

TA: Would you please state your full name and address for the record please?

MW: Michelle Kathleen Webster, 1011 Benbow Circle, Oxford.

TA: Ms. Webster, there are a few additional questions we want to ask you concerning Mr. Devlin Beauchamp.

MW: Of course, ask anything you like. I really want to help. Dev would've liked that.

TA: Excuse me, but you look different. Did you cut your hair or something?

MW: A little. And ....I shouldn't admit this because we girls just aren't supposed to...but I also went a bit blonder - actually blonde- a week or so ago.

TA: Any particular reason?

MW: Needed a change. Surely you didn't ask me down here to discuss my fashion choices?

TA: No ma'am. I have a few questions about your relationship with Mr. Beauchamp. Your personal relationship.

MW: I told you, we were just friends.

TA: I wanted to discuss the time when you were more than friends, Ms. Webster. When did you begin to see Mr. Beauchamp socially?

MW: About a year ago, January of 1999.

TA: How did you meet?

MW: I worked for him. I had worked there a couple of months. We got along really well. We just had a lot of fun, you know? And I always got his jokes. We connected, you know what I mean?

TA: Oh sure I do. And after a couple of months he just asked you out?

MW: Well, we all went out - a bunch of us from the restaurant - I think we were celebrating somebody's birthday...can't remember whose... Anyway, I guess I got a little drunk. Actually a lot drunk. And I got sick and all that disgusting stuff you really don't want to do in front of somebody you want to impress...

TA: You wanted to impress Mr. Beauchamp?

MW: I guess I did. Anyway, he just took care of me. I really didn't remember much. But next thing I knew, I woke up in his bed. Now, don't get the wrong idea - he was perfect gentleman - he was sleeping on the floor next to the bed, holding my hand. I guess that's when I really fell for him. After that, we just were together. Seemed the natural thing to do.

TA: And during the relationship were there any conflicts?

MW: Conflicts?

TA: You were also his employee. Did anyone feel you received special treatment, etc.? That sort of thing?

MW: Well at first we tried to just keep it to ourselves, but eventually everyone did know. There was a little rumbling when I was made Head Waitress - but nothing serious.

TA: Rumbling?

MW: Oh, Millie didn't think it was fair. So we both sat down and talked to her and asked her if she wanted to devote the time and energy and take the extra responsibility. Once she got the full picture, turned out she really wasn't interested in the job. You see what I mean?

TA: Yeah, I get it. So, you had this ideal relationship until... what? What brought about the break up?

MW: Oh Detective, I didn't say it was ideal. We had our tiffs and disagreements like any couple... But yes, it was a good relationship.

TA: But it ended nonetheless?

MW: It wasn't an easy decision, for either one of us. But I think it was the right one.

TA: What was the trouble?

MW: The usual... I wanted more of a commitment and Dev just couldn't give that. He wasn't built that way.

TA: You wanted to get married. Is that what you mean, ma'am?

MW: Yes, that is what I mean. Once you broach the subject of marriage and it doesn't find an agreement between you, things are just never the same, are they?

TA: Couldn't say, ma'am. I've been married to the only girl I ever proposed to for the last 30 years.

MW: Congratulations. Sadly most of us aren't as lucky as you, Detective.

TA: Apparently not. So, it just ended?

MW: Well, there was a lot of talking and tears, and negotiating, but yes, it did end.

TA: And when was that?

MW: August 28, 1999.

TA: You seem very sure of the date.

MW: Final game for the softball league - before the playoffs. I was the pinch hitter. We won the game and I lost Dev.

TA: Okay. So, what about after that? Working together a problem?

MW: I think I took a couple weeks off from work - needed to think things out. I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep working there, but he convinced me that it would be okay. He wanted me to stay on - and I am good at my job. So, I decided I could tough it out.

TA: And did you? Tough it out?

MW: We both did. It was hard the first few weeks, then things just smoothed out and everything was good. We were friends and it was all okay.

TA: So your break up with Mr. Beauchamp had nothing to do with his involvement with Kat Dixon?

MW: Kat Dixon? Dev never had a relationship with her. Not that she wouldn't have loved that.

TA: You're certain he never had any intimate contact with Ms. Dixon?

MW: Well, if he had, I doubt she would have been coming to me to ask for advice on how to "snag" him. Right? Asked a lot of questions, some pretty personal too.

TA: Such as what?

MW: Such as what he liked in bed and when he liked to have sex and where... That is one audacious girl!

TA: And you refused to answer these questions?

MW: I don't kiss and tell. Not my style.

TA: I see. How about other women? Mr. Beauchamp was popular with women in general, isn't that correct?

MW: Yes it was.

TA: What about Natalie Paster or Poster?

MW: Who?

TA: Apparently a past relationship, someone who was possibly stalking Mr. Beauchamp?

MW: That just gives me the chills. Dev was being stalked?

TA: We think that is a real possibility, yes.

MW: Well, he never told me about it. Sorry don't know anything about Dev and any other women. I didn't really want to know. You understand?

TA: Yes, ma'am, I do. Did you have any reason to believe anyone would want to harm Mr. Beauchamp?

MW: I knew he and Carl were feuding again.

TA: Feuding?

MW: I think Dev was looking into some "deals" that perhaps didn't include Carl, or at least there wasn't a 50/50 split involved.

TA: Franchising deals?

MW: Something like that. Nothing solid, as far as I knew. But he was getting offers. And also Carl imagined Dev had a thing for Kat, which he absolutely did not, but it made Carl jumpy and funny.

TA: How so?

MW: I don't know - Carl is normally pretty easy going. The few weeks before Dev died, Carl always looked on the hunt - looking over his shoulder. And he was obsessed with knowing where Kat was - as if he doesn't dog her enough. Now that is something I feel sorry for her about. Her daddy just can't leave her be for a second.

TA: Carl ever tell you what he was upset about?

MW: No. He just talked in circles, about the old days and how things are better if you leave them be sometimes, progress isn't everything. That sort of thing.

TA: Have you ever known Mr. Dixon to become violent?

MW: No. He and Dev argued sometimes, but no blows or physical violence - not ever.

TA: During your relationship with Mr. Beauchamp did you have occasion to see him writing in his journals?

MW: Sometimes.

TA: Did he ever allow you to read any of them?

MW: No. But he didn't deny them to me either. He kept them in a closet I think, I could have read them if I wanted.

TA: But you didn't?

MW: Not really.

TA: Even after the break up?

MW: After the break up, I wouldn't have had access to them, would I?

TA: Perhaps you retained his key?

MW: Sorry to disappoint you, Detective, but I returned the key to him the day we broke up. I am sure you will find it in his personal effects.

TA: So you have no key to Mr. Beauchamp's home?

MW: No sir.

TA: Other than Carl Dixon, to your knowledge, does anyone else have a key?

MW: Not to my knowledge sir, no. I'm afraid I will need to get home to get ready for work soon, Detective. Can we finish this up?

TA: Sure, just a few more questions, then we're done. Where were you on January 15, 2000 between the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.?

MW: I was home, with a migraine.

TA: Was anyone with you?

MW: No... But I did get a call from a girlfriend... that night.

TA: What time was that?

MW: It was about 11:30 I think...

TA: Your friend's name?

MW: Dorothy Rebine,719 University. She's in the book.

TA: We'll be getting in touch with her.

MW: No doubt. Anything else?

TA: You left work at 9:30 p.m. and then what?

MW: I went to James Food Store, picked up a few things, coffee, orange juice, some aspirin - then I went home.

TA: What time did you arrive at home?

MW: It was probably about 10.

TA: Anyone see you arrive home?

MW: I don't know - my drive is up the alley and I came in through the back door. I'm not sure my neighbors would see me coming or going. And my lights are on a timer, so I'm afraid I can't help you there.

TA: When did you first become aware of Mr. Beauchamp's death?

MW: At that horrible meeting... Carl looking like he was going to die himself... I just remember how the room seemed to spin on me...

TA: I see. Could you tell me what kind of vehicle you drive?

MW: A 1993 Toyota short bed, pick up truck - white.

TA: All right, Ms. Webster, that's all we have for now. It may be we will need to reinterview you, and we will need you to be available.

MW: Of course.

TA: So you won't leave town without notifying the Sheriff's office.

MW: No, of course not. I never would. I want to see Dev's killer caught. I want to help, really I do.

TA: So noted, Ms. Webster - thank you for coming in.

End interview: 2:45 p.m.