CHAPTER 15  THE CROSS EXAMINATION OF SHERIFF WOFFORD  

The testimony of Sheriff Wofford is from the criminal trial in Cape Giradeau. The questioner is the defendant's attorney, Mr. Mitchell. This is the entire cross examination of the sheriff. Q. "You stated you were called to the scene at 3:50 a.m. Is that correct?" A. "Yes, sir." Q. "At what time did you arrive?" A. "About 4:04." Q. "Who did you arrive with?" A. "It was myself. Deputy Nivens was already on the scene." Q. "I'm sorry. I didn't understand that." A. "Deputy Nivens." Q. "When you arrived on the scene, who was located there?" A. "Who was what, sir?" Q. "Who was there? What other persons were present?" A. "Deputy Nivens and two other Salem officers were there with him." Q. Do you recall who they were?" A. "I believe it was Tony Gordis, Nathan McDonald." Q. "Okay. Were there other patrons of the bar still present?" A. "Pardon me?" Q. Were there patrons of the bar?" A. "Yes, there were some patrons, yes." Q. "Do you recall who those patrons were, Sheriff?" A. "Probably the only one I remember right now is Don Gregory. I know I spoke with him." Q. "Do you know approximately how many more were left there?" A. "No, I don't sir." Q. "Were there 50?" A. "I don't think so. I'm not certain. I can't answer that." Q. "Fair enough. You didn't conduct any interviews there. Is that correct?" A. "No." Q. "Now, Mr. Brooks was later incarcerated in you jail. Is that correct?" A. "Yes." Q. "And how long was he there?" A. "I don't recall that. Maybe a year." Q. "Okay. If I told you he was--" A. "That's a guess." Q. "If I told you he was there about ten months, would you agree with me?" A. "Okay. Yes, sir." Q. "Okay. And at no time did Mr. Brooks make any admission regarding the killing--" A. "No."  The State Prosecutor interrupts. MR. AHSENS: "Your Honor, I'm going to object to this. It's extremely self-serving. It's improper." THE COURT: "Sustained."