Detective Kaelen Thorne - Senior Investigator

Transcript

Speaker 1:Thank you for agreeing to speak with me, Mr. Mayor. For the record, please state your name and position. s2: Of course. Ricardo Alvarez, Mayor of San Isidro. Anything I can do to help. s1: You attended a meeting at the kindergarten last Friday evening, correct? s2: Yes. A routine meeting about funding, facilities, the usual. I try to be present in our schools. It's important to be visible. s1: What time did you arrive at the school? s2: Around seven, perhaps a few minutes after. My previous appointment ran long. I believe the principal could confirm that. s1: Who was in the meeting? s2: The principal, two teachers-Laura and Elena-and another staff member. We reviewed test scores, discussed future projects. Nothing dramatic. s1: How would you describe Elena's behavior during the meeting? s2: Professional. Quiet, but attentive. She spoke when I asked about her class. She seemed dedicated. Our kind of teacher. s1: Did you know her outside that professional context? s2: Not really. I've seen her at public events, of course. In a town this size, you recognize faces. But we have never socialized, if that's what you're asking. s1: Did you ever send her a personal message or invitation? s2: I send many messages to many citizens, especially those involved in community work. Sometimes they might sound friendly. That's part of the job-being approachable. s1: So you deny sending her a personal dinner invitation? s2: I don't recall the exact wording of every message I send. If I invited her to discuss education over dinner, it would have been strictly respectful and professional. s1: After the meeting ended, what did you do? s2: I spoke briefly with the principal in the hallway. Then I left. I have a driver who can confirm when we departed. It was not a long visit. s1: Approximately what time did you leave the school building? s2: Shortly after the meeting. Seven-thirty at the latest. I don't keep a stopwatch on these things, Detective. s1: And where did you go next? s2: Home. I had a long week. I wanted a quiet evening. s1: Straight home? s2: Well... I did make one small stop on the way. I picked up a light dinner. A salad, coffee. s1: Where did you stop? s2: At a café. One of the places near the... woods café area. On the edge of town. They stay open late. s1: Near the forest? s2: Near the road that leads there, yes. It was just convenient. I was hungry, and they were open. I didn't think my snack run would interest the police. s1: Around what time did you order your food? s2: I would have to check my schedule. Perhaps a little after eight. It was not a significant event in my evening. s1: Did you see anyone from the school there? s2: No. Just a few teenagers and someone reading by the window. It's a quiet spot at night. s1: Did you, at any time, return to the school after leaving? s2: No. There would be no reason for me to do that. My business there was concluded. s1: Did you communicate with Elena in the days before her disappearance? s2: I may have replied to an email or two about school matters. As I said, I correspond with many staff members. s1: Our examination of her office computer shows an unsent draft email addressed to your official account, turning down a personal invitation. s2: People interpret things in different ways, Detective. If she felt uncomfortable, I regret that. It was certainly not my intention. s1: Did you know she was planning to refuse? s2: I had no reason to believe she felt pressured. She was polite when we spoke. If she chose not to accept, I would have respected that. I always respect boundaries. s1: Did you discuss anything personal with her on Friday? s2: Only in the vaguest sense-how she liked teaching, how she found the town. Small talk. Nothing inappropriate. s1: When did you first learn that Elena was missing? s2: The principal called me when the police became involved. I was shocked. It is a tragedy for our community when a bright young teacher disappears. s1: Some people think powerful men in small towns are not used to hearing "no." s2: Some people enjoy stories more than facts. I am used to hearing many things, Detective-complaints, demands, criticism. "No" is just another word. s1: Is there anything else about Friday night that you have not told me? s2: No. I left the school, picked up food, went home. I hope you find Elena safe. The town is anxious. I am, too. s1: We may need to verify your timeline. s2: Of course. Check whatever you must. I have nothing to hide.