Call to 9-1-1

Dispatcher: Nine-One-One, what’s your emergency?

Caller: Please, send an ambulance and an officer! I think my mother’s caretaker is dead and my mom might be hurt.

Dispatcher: Okay, Ma’am, try to stay calm. Where are you at? What’s the address?

Caller: I’m at . . . ah . . . at my mom’s place. It’s . . . ah . . . it’s at 6913 Coyote Trail. We’re outside the city limits.

Dispatcher: Okay, six-nine-one-three Coyote Trail, Luna County. Is that correct?

Caller: Yes, sixty-nine thirteen Coyote, please hurry!

Dispatcher: Sheriff’s deputies are on the way, Ma’am. What’s your name?

Caller: Anita. My name is Anita.

Dispatcher: Okay, Anita. What’s your mother’s name?

Caller: Paula. My mom’s name is – oh, God, hurry – Paula Hess. I’m at her home.

Dispatcher: How is she hurt?

Caller: Ah . . . I don’t know, but she’s covered in blood. She’s . . . ah . . . she has blood all over her. I can’t see where she’s hurt. Mom has Alzheimer’s, and I think she might be in shock.

Dispatcher: Have your mother lay down and keep her warm. We’re dispatching an ambulance right now.

Caller: Oh, thank God. Thank you! Thank you.

Dispatcher: What is the name of your mom’s caretaker?

Caller: Huh? Who’s name?

Dispatcher: Your mother’s caretaker – what is her name?

Caller: Oh . . . ah . . . Beth. We call her Ms. Beth – Beth Cushman. (Voice shaking) Where are the police?

Dispatcher: Anita, they’re on their way with the ambulance. Please, try to stay calm. Are you sure Ms. Beth is dead?

Caller (Sobbing): Jesus! Yes! She’s dead! Her throat is cut and her eyes won’t close. There’s blood everywhere!

Dispatcher: There’s blood everywhere?

Caller: Beth is just lying next to Mom’s bed. The covers are soaked with blood. Her head isn’t right. Her hair is caked with blood. My God, what the hell happened here?!

Dispatcher: Calm down. Is anyone else there with you?

Caller: No. We live out in the middle of nowhere. It’s just Mom, me and poor Ms. Beth.

Dispatcher: Okay, Anita, do you think your mother can walk?

Caller: What? I think so . . . yes, Mom managed to let me in the house when I got here.

Dispatcher: Anita, I need you and your mother to walk out of the house and wait at the end of your driveway – where the deputies will see you - okay?

Caller: Okay. I’m getting mom up . . . and we’re heading out the door, now.

Dispatcher: Don’t let anyone else inside the house. Do you understand?

Caller: Okay . . .

Dispatcher: . . . and stay on the line with me, until the Sheriff’s officers get there.