Contents
Six
Overview
Starr gives her official statement at the police station with Lisa and Uncle Carlos’s support. She recounts Khalil’s compliance, the pat-downs, and the moment One-Fifteen shot him. Detectives pivot to Khalil’s alleged drugs and gangs, signaling possible bias. Starr and Lisa push back and leave expecting an unfair investigation.
Summary
Starr arrives at the police station with her mother, overwhelmed by the presence of armed officers. Uncle Carlos steadies her and arranges the interview, while Lisa insists on staying with Starr. Despite her anxiety, Starr decides to proceed so she won’t have to keep waiting.
Detectives Gomez and Wilkes begin recording. Starr code-switches, trying to appear composed and credible. She explains the party with Kenya, Khalil’s concern for his grandmother, and their departure after a fight. She details the traffic stop: Khalil presented his license and registration, One-Fifteen yanked him from the car, and patted him down three times, finding nothing.
Starr states the officer told Khalil to stay put; when Khalil opened the door—seemingly to check on Starr—the officer shot him. Overcome, Starr pauses, and Lisa shields her from pressure, then Starr continues, emphasizing Khalil’s lack of wrongdoing.
The detectives shift to questions about drugs, gangs, and alcohol. Starr refuses to validate a narrative that justifies the shooting, saying she never saw Khalil sell or use and has no knowledge of gang ties. Lisa challenges the detectives for focusing on Khalil instead of the officer.
The interview ends with Starr and Lisa recognizing the investigators’ bias and anticipating “bullshit” ahead, solidifying Starr’s distrust in the process.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterGives a formal statement; recounts the stop and shooting; resists detectives’ attempts to discredit Khalil.
- Lisa CarterSupports Starr during questioning; challenges detectives’ focus on Khalil’s alleged wrongdoing.
- Detective GomezLead questioner; records Starr’s statement and presses about drugs and gangs, signaling investigative bias.
- Detective WilkesGomez’s partner; takes notes and observes while bias-tinged questions unfold.
- Uncle CarlosPolice officer and family; facilitates the interview and provides emotional support.
- Khalil HarrisDeceased friend; central to Starr’s account of the stop, pat-downs, and shooting.
- One-FifteenOfficer who shot Khalil; subject of Starr’s statement though not present.