Willy Freemen

Defense Direct.

“What is your name?”

My name is Willy Freeman

Why are you here in court today?

I am here because I am accused of murdering Devin Frost, and presenting a fraudulent claim. 

How did you meet devin? 

I met Devin Frost at a conference of the Western Culinary Association, and we instantly became close friends. 

How did you and Devin enter into the restaurant business together

Upon meeting, I saw him as a desirable business partner, and because we had the same goals, we opened a restaurant in Oklahoma City.

What role do you gave in the restaurant?

I handle all aspects of the food preparation and presentations.

What role did Devin play?

Devin was fully in charge of finances and management, but he also had creative ideas for food presentation or preparation that he down sometimes.

What actions, if any, did you and Devin take to protect your business?

Devin came up with an idea of the buy and sell agreement.

What reasons did Devin give for the buy- sell, if any?

Devin did, because he said it would be good for protections of assets, although I didn’t really understand its purpose.

How was the buy-sell agreement paid for?

Devin set the amount of the policy and said the income flow from the bussiness would pay for it.

Now to the matter at hand, what reaction did you have when you found out the business was in red?

I was surprises when Devin told me that we were running in the red because business was going so well. That’s why I hired Leslie Moore.

How did you meet Leslie?

I met Leslie Moore after I attended a seminar in order to widen my knowledge of the business world.

What did Leslie Moore do?

I hired Leslie to do an audit of the business to see where we could improve- perhaps negotiate with the vendors more, or change our pricing.

Did you have any assumption as to why the business was failing?

After I attended the seminar, I learned that employee theft is common in workplaces. I wondered if our food inventory was “walking off” with some of the employees in the evenings, so the following day I purchased a key and padlock to secure the food inventory in our cooler.

Which people had access to this key?

Devin, Georgia and I were the only ones with access.

What reaction did Devin have to this?

Devin told me he thought it was a good idea to use the padlock, he did not seem bother by Leslie performing the audit.

What did Leslie Moore tell you about why the business was in red?

On Friday, March 9th, Leslie informed me that the audit was complete, and that the reason the business was failing was because Devin had stolen nearly $300,000.

What was your reaction to this?

Ultimately, I was stunned. I couldn’t imagine why he would do that to me – to us. I was also angry, but who wouldn't be?

How angry were you?

Definitely not angry enough to kill! Although I might’ve said some things in haste, Devin was one of my closest friends.

What did you say if anything to Leslie about this?

Sure, I said, I was going to make Devin pay – but I meant financially. I knew that he had connections, and he had to make this right.

When did you confront Devin about this newfound information?

I confronted Devin the same day, Friday, March 9th, after Leslie had left the restaurant.

What did devin admit to you during this confrontation?

Devin admitted that he was a gambler, and told me that he owed someone named “Lou” over $200,000, and that he had previously paid him $300,000 from the restaurant. He also stated that Lou had threatened to kill him if he didn’t come up with the money, and he described instances where Lou would choke him or put a lit cigarette to his wrist.

How did you feel after learning this?

I felt betrayed by Devin, but even more, I felt scared and sad for him. I wanted to help him in any way possible.

What was Devin’s solution?

Devin thought that he could string Lou along for a little while, but I told him he needed to get the money before he was killed. I thought that there would be a way to get him help, while getting the business back on track. 

Moving on, Where were you on Saturday, March 21st, the night of Devins death?

I was at the restaurant because I decided to tell Devin my solution to his problems. Devin stepped out the kitchen door to smoke a cigarette and I followed him.

What did you say to Devin?

I told him I couldn’t think of a way to pay Lou because he had taken so much money out of the business, and it was going to have to close. However, I explained the idea of Devin telling Lou to void the contract between them or be turned over to the police or prosecutor.

What was his reaction?

Devin didn’t think Lou would be receptive, and we ended up arguing over it. Finally, Devin agreed.

When was the last time you interacted with Devin?

 I last spoke with Devin around 10:30 p.m. Devin wanted to stay later to jot down ideas he had for next week’s menu, and although I had started to lock the freezer, he told me he would do it, so I left.

What did you see, if anything else?

As I was leaving, I saw a person in the shadows in the alley, about 15 feet away, but I didn't think much of it.

Can you describe this person?

At first, I did not know who it was, but after I went to the police station and looked through a bunch of mug shots. I was able to identify the person I saw as Lou Contralto.

Now, how did finding out Devin was dead make you feel (EMOTIONS!)

I was absolutely heartbroken. We had finally made amends, and we were going to solve his debt to Lou, together. It was really important to me for Devin to be free from worrying about his debt, because I did not want him to be in danger.

What did you know about how much money you would inherit in case of Devins death through the buy-sell agreement?

Devin was the one who set the money amount. I did not know how much I would receive.

What would you plan to do with the money if you were to receive it?

 It is my intention to share a portion of those proceeds with his family.