Autopsy of a Mind

Chapter 77: Beyond Control

I had to add to his assessment. "The suspect had been very careful and had not left his DNA on any of his victims apart from one. The evidence was found on a victim who was forcibly detained and was by far not the most serious crime that could be pegged on Richard. Furthermore, just bringing up that evidence would leave him open to walk away, not taking the blame for the more severe crimes."

Sebastian nodded. There was a gleam of pride in his eyes. "You're reading up on forensic knowledge and law aren't you?" I just smirked.

"Of course. I don't need spoonfeeding. I should be of better use than just taking care of your paperwork. What's the point of doing something half-assed?" I shrugged. 

"Have some fruit," Sebastian said quickly, picking up a piece and pushing it into my mouth without warning. I stared at him in surprise but he had already turned back to the screen and was speaking. 

"The evidence of the tire-tracks could easily be refuted by the defense team as it could be said that many other trucks had the same tire. And footprints are not admissible in our country. None of this evidence can peg Richard as the criminal without reasonable doubt. The defense would have many ways of maneuvering out of it and the suspect could go scot-free," I rationalized. 

Sebastian nodded. "Watch," he ordered. I closed my mouth and watched.

As the detective brought up the evidence they had, Richard looked down at his shoes subconsciously.

"You must have seen this method used in thrillers and shows like the Mentalist. It is a matter of body-language and was one of the tells written in a lot of interrogation manuals. While it is not a science, this has more to do with the gut than anything," Sebastian interjected.

Richard gave the response. 

"You will need to give your footprint impressions, as well. That's all we're going to ask you." 

Twenty minutes passed and a detective came in and took prints of Richard's shoes. The size of his feet, the impression of the underside were also taken. When the detective came back, his demeanor was a little different. 

"I told you that I would treat you with respect if you did the same with me. I'm trying to be as discreet as possible, but the problem is that every time I walk out of the room, some more issues come up. These issues don't discard you as a suspect, they only reinforce the department's suspicions on you." The detective's voice was full of concern. Quite fascinating.

"Notice how he doesn't say that he is the one who suspects Richard. This is another way of subliminally saying that the others are the problem, he will not believe it unless he has concrete proof. He is showing that he believes in the suspect and his testimony. This can, at times, make the suspect feel guilty about lying to the detective they think they have come to know and have a rapport with." I turned to stare at him. 

"Isn't it hard to talk to someone who has done vicious things to others? How do detectives hold that in?" I asked, wincing slightly. I probably wouldn't make a good interrogator. I was too prejudiced.

"While detectives believe keeping your feelings in is how the truth comes out easily. I won't say the same. They're humans, too. They might be criminals, but they also need a chance to tell their story... the chance to confess without being treated like an animal." The words were said with such passion that I had to look back. The man that seemed so cold and aloof, he thought a great deal about people. 

"Shouldn't someone who sees the evil in the world be more cynical?" I challenged.

He shook his head. "When you see the worst side of humanity, you start to believe that there is good in the world too. Life would be too dark otherwise."

I chuckled. Well, you could see it in that way, too.

"I want you to see what I mean," the detective pleaded.

"Alright."

The detective gingerly brought out two pieces of paper and held it in front of him. He didn't let Richard see it before he explained what it was. 

"This is the footwear impression of the person who approached the rear of the victim's house on the evening of the crime. When you come down to footwear impressions, a member of our team is world-renowned..." The affirmations were false and were made to psychologically weaken the suspect. Footprints are not admissible or seen as undeniable proof. They are not incriminating or distinguishing.

"Although experts of footwear imprints exist, there was no one on the premise at the time. He just printed out the images in the office and brought it over," Sebastian chuckled.

"He even made up the name of the specialist," I added, pointing to the video in awe.

"This is what you are wearing and this is what was found. While I am not an expert, they are very much like fingerprint comparisons. You take a look at this print you know these are identical." There was helplessness in the detective's voice. It was surprising how good of an actor he was.

The sigh was soft. "Okay."

"Your vehicle drove up the side of her house. Your boots walked to the back of her house. In the evening she went missing. You want discretion, we need to have some honesty. This is damning evidence and it is getting out of control." He emphasized.

The suspect hummed nervously and shifted in his seat, sitting up ramrod straight. The next few minutes were spent in silence. 

"This is beyond my control."

Sebastian leaned in and whispered, "This is the previously discussed tactic of the interrogator exaggerating his own power while maintaining his rapport with the suspect. He is saying 'hey, I want to get you out of this situation, but the evidence is too hard for me to get you out of his mess. I am on your side, buddy.'"

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