Crestwood Murders

Chapter 17: 9 Suspects

The next morning Emma woke from her sleep finding Tyler still next to her. They had slept together the night's exhaustion leading Tyler to stay over.
As morning routines unfolded the group fueled by determination gathered at Michael's house after a discussion in their group chat.
The goal to revisit the files from the mysterious informant they had obtained before his demise.

As they sifted through the files Emma organized the information.
"We need to find patterns or connections between the two murder events. Let's cross-reference the locations, dates and people who would have been in the spots during the murders at the time they happened."

Hours passed as Michael, Emma, Tyler, Joshua, and even Hannah immersed themselves in the evidence. Frustration lingered unable to do anything with their remaining clues until Michael proposed a bold idea to hack into the college campus computer to access time cards and identify students present during both murder events. Tyler renowned for his tech expertise agreed and the group decided to let the two execute their plan later that night.

Emma agreed
" The college computer will likely have time cards for all the students and we will know who was there both days and which students would been outside during both murders on the days they happened."

Tyler nodded
"Yeah and I don't think their security will be too hard to hack I'll just need Michael as a lookout and somebody to also be on call in case I need help hacking in if you're up for it Emma?"

Emma agreed
"Of course just please be careful I don't want you to get in serious trouble."

As night came Tyler and Michael snuck into the campus lobby Michael kept watch outside the principal office, Tyler ever so known for his tech expertise decided to take the investigation to the next level now.
The tension in the air was palpable as Tyler worked to access the campus security logs.
Tyler ever so known for his tech expertise decided to take the investigation to the next level now.
Michael sat outside the principal door while Tyler coded his way in and then worked fast to unlock the principal computer where the files would be at.
After much work Tyler accessed the campus security logs pinpointing individuals present during both murder events. The list of suspects narrowed down to nine students who were in the vicinity during the exact hours and days of both tragedies, Tyler took a photo of it before he quickly let Emma on the over line of the call aware and notified Michael outside and said it was time to go.

Michael and Tyler armed with the newfound information exited the college campus lobby, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air as they made their way to Emma's dorm where they agreed to meet as it was the closest one to the lobby.
Hannah, Joshua, and emma awaited them and the tension only intensified.

Entering Emma's dorm they found the others gathered their faces etched with concern and anticipation. The room was charged with nervous energy as Tyler shared the details of the files and the narrowed down list of suspects.

1. Richie Arctic: A shy nerd on campus who didn't talk much and nobody knew much about him.
2. Jack Hamler: Friends with Jessica and often would hang out with her.
3. Gretchen Williams: One of the new students who transferred to the school just a day or two before Kayla's death typically outside a lot.
4. Hector Ramirez: A shady guy involved in many illegal activities; uncertain if he is a murderer since they already have met with him.
5. Randy McCoy: also interviewed previously mostly guilty by love for Hector and involvement in the wrong places at the wrong time not considered a murderer right now.
6. Kevin Stewart: From the baseball team he was a familiar face to Joshua for many years Joshua didn't believe Kevin would do such a thing though.
7. Raquel Rivera: An exchange student who doesn't know much English but you never know.
8. Frederick Galloway: The school's newspaper writer and news anchor on the hall television he was always in search of a story that could be a motive.
9. Hannah Martin: A member of their own friend group who always liked Joshua and jumped at the opportunity to date him after Kayla's death.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the group and for a moment silence settled over the room.

Joshua, breaking the stillness, asked
"So what's our next move?"

Emma determined replied
"We need to discuss how to approach each of the suspects. We have to be careful and gather as much information as possible before blaming anyone."

The group delved into deep conversation  strategizing on how to investigate Richie, Jack, Gretchen, Hector, Randy, Kevin, Raquel, Frederick, and shockingly Hannah. Every word uttered carried the weight of the looming truth they sought.

As they discussed potential motives, alibis, and connections, the air became thick with suspicion. Hannah feeling the collective gaze on her grew defensive.
"Why am I even on this list? I was Kayla's best friend! I would never do something like this And you all know it!"

Hannah's words resonated with frustration and hurt.
She couldn't fathom being considered a suspect in her best friend's murder.

Joshua too expressed his disbelief
"This is insane! Hannah would never hurt Kayla, she loved her as much as I did."

Emma attempting to diffuse the tension explained
"We're just trying to be thorough and not rule anyone out. It's a difficult situation for all of us and we need to consider every possibility."

Hannah however, was not appeased.
"Consider every possibility? I was her best friend! This is ridiculous. I don't need to be questioned by you why don't we question you as the murderer since you're always such a jealous bitch!."

Michael sensing the escalating situation spoke up "We're all just trying to find the truth and bring justice for Kayla Let's try not to let our emotions cloud our judgement We need to be united in this i do not think Hannah killed anyone even if I think they got together too fast."

Despite Michael's plea for unity the room remained tense.

The group is now facing the difficult task of questioning their own friend among many others.