American Wisper (2020) - full transcript

So.

Henry is Norris' best
friend, all right?

One day, he goes over
to Norris' house,

Norris' wife, Andrea,
answers the door.

Says "Hey, how you doin'?

"Norris isn't home right now."

He says, "Hey, how you doin'?"

And proceeds to
take out $1000 cash.

He says to Andrea,
"I always liked you.

"How about I give you
this $1000 in cash,

"and we go upstairs
before the man comes in."



Andrea, now she's
looking at this $1000.

Just like most of us,
she could use that cash.

So they go upstairs.

10, 15 minutes later
they come back down.

Well, two hours or so,
Norris comes back home.

Says, "Hey baby, how you doin'?

"Henry come by here today?"

Now, this
catches Andrea off guard.

She's a little shaken.

"Yeah, he was here earlier."

Norris says, "Good,
he was bringing me

"that $1000 he owes me."

Wisper, you're
really fucked up, man.

Ain't nothin' but a joke.



Oh god, hello there, J.

Chanel Four News.

You mean to tell me you finally
got caught for something?

Turn off the fuckin' camera!

Nah, nah, it's
nothing like that.

We're just shooting
something for posterity.

Yeah, prosterity,
your prosterity.

It's posterity, but I
get what you're saying.

- Get you something there?
- All right man.

Don't get me on that thing.

What's the matter, Carter?

You got something to hide?

No sir, I just don't
like my picture taken.

Okay, okay.

Straight on him.

Hey!

Hey, how you doin' brother?

She's quite the looker.

Hey yeah you
know, that's Laura.

She's an old friend.

She knows what to
do with that camera.

- She does web designs.
- Hi.

Yeah?

So how is that son of yours?

Oh man, he just got
a football scholarship.

That is fantastic!

Gonna be a defensive end!

As long as he
ain't no tight end.

Fuck you.

You really gotta relax.

You're gonna get high
blood pressure like that.

Breathe a little bit,
you know what I mean?

J, there's a couple
of them over there.

A couple of them right here.

I got 'em.

Can we change the music?

No, J loves his jazz.

Get this.

Kelp, you underage, get out.

And you, you tell Uno,
ain't no dealing in my bar.

Says who?

Say me, mother fucker.

Fuck you!

Fuck me, huh?

I told you.

Ain't no dealing in
my establishment.

I said it once, the
gun speaks next time.

Get the fuck out.

Bye.

You're gonna get
what's coming to you.

Yeah, that sounds good.

That's not necessary

but y'all keep going
though, it's fine.

Everybody is safe,
get back to your,

hey, how you doing?

Good move, honey.

Appreciate it.

It's just getting a
little bit of happy

with these losers.

They just don't learn.

Oh I was hoping you
wanted someone to play with.

In my movie, well you see

I'm the only star
of this here film.

Say thought why don't you leave

your name, number and
your bra size, oh really.

You know what, just make that
your name and your number.

Oh okay.

I'll be right with you.

Delete, hmm, come on.

Yo boss.

Those kids'll never learn.

Get you something?

Nah, I'm good.

Hey.

Oasis.

Right.

Me close up for you?

Yeah, appreciate it.

My man.

Off to the Oasis.

Yeah!

Apollo!

Here we are.

Yup, hey everyone.

Josiah in the house.

Gee, thanks
for waiting, J.

Billy boy!

How you doing?

Hey, all right.

What's up?

Shit.

Father!

Does your bishop know
you're in my establishment?

Indeed he does.

I gotta find my audience.

So get to work.

Shh.

But seriously, how's
your parish doing?

This ain't exactly the richest
neighborhood in the world.

The Lord always
finds a way to help.

Yeah he does.

Oh, God bless you Josiah.

Appreciate, appreciate.

Oh, you know what I like.

So he's behaving himself?

When he
ain't hammin' it out.

Baby, this is my
ace camera girl Laura.

This is Melonie.

She's my Special
Projects Manager.

Really?

So what project she manage?

I'm just kidding.

Get you something, honey?

I'm set, thanks.

Josiah?

Hmm.

- Come here.
- Okay.

Be right there.

What's up, brother?

- All right.
- How you doin'?

It's a nice good night
for a weeknight, huh?

Mhmm.

So I'm home?

Movie yeah, I'm just
planning to make tonight.

- Okay.
- Appreciate it.

So.

How's it going so far, really?

We need some other family.

The kids, that makes sense.

Yeah, little family time.

So I can, I'll set that up.

But you know, we're done
here, you can go home.

Okay.

All right.

Manager, manager?

You're not pissed off
at me or anything?

This has been a
long and busy day.

Plus I don't know
if I wanna be a part

of your little movie.

Just having a little fun.

I'm not really planning on
keeping all night, anyway.

Enough.

So you know, Willy's
closing at Lion's Den.

How about we get a pie
and go to your place?

You think I'm really
gonna let you drive

all the way to Jersey this late?

Nah, I could always just bunk
up on your couch, you know?

J, you ain't never
sleep on nobody's couch.

Enough.

Come on, go home,
I'll see you tomorrow.

Okay.

This stuff come in
from Antonio's okay?

Got it, boss.

All right, wanna drink?

Willy did some coffee.

So you ready for
some family stuff?

Sure.

Cool, I gotta stop
by my accountant

and then we'll head
to Jersey, all right?

Whenever you're ready.

I'm ready, come on.

Okay.

All right, Willy.

Don't know what
I'd do without you.

Can we go faster?

Turn it down.

So this is the neighborhood.

Look, look, make
sure you get her.

Okay.

Hey!

Hey Miss Casale.

Hey.

Gotta love the neighbors.

Treat me like that now,

wait till I'm a billionaire.

It's beautiful, J.

Okay,
here we go.

Daddy!

Say hi to Laura.

Hi.

Hello, young man.

Boom!

What the hell
is she doing here?

I'm doing

- a video.
- In the kitchen, Josiah!

I'll be with you in...

In the kitchen!

I'll be with you in a minute.

Come on, come on.

All right, go play in
your room, buddy, okay?

Come on, come on.

Jenine?

Hey baby girl.

Hi, Dad.

This is Jenine, my good buddy

and great soccer player.

- Hi.
- Hey.

How you doing?

I'm good.

All right.

This is Laura.

She's gonna be doing
some video of me.

Oh maybe you can come in

to our soccer
practice next week.

The whole team can be in it.

For you, we can
make that happen.

We'll set something up
for next week, all right?

Awesome, awesome.

So what's up, how you been?

Michael's been coming
in my room again.

He says he doesn't but he does.

Well, he is five years old.

So, he goes through my stuff!

I'll tell you what,
this is what you do.

Remember what I did
in the back office?

Set up your webcam

and you're gonna
catch him in the act.

Ah, I like that.

Yeah, you catch
him red-handed,

live in living color.

Awesome.

All right baby, I love you.

See you.

Come on.

Shh, she's real
serious about it.

Josiah,
close the door!

This door wants to step on.

God dammit.

Hey, girl.

Alisa, honey?

I work late sometimes.

And we live in Jersey and
it's a long drive from Harlem.

And what do we
really have here?

You gotta be kidding me.

This is what you wanted, baby.

You wanted out of that
tiny little apartment!

I got us this big
beautiful house.

You wanted the American dream

and I delivered it to you!

All I've got is
two hours of sleep

and a house full of kids.

Tell him.

Not now.

Still taking your raggedy
ass running around Harlem

with that stupid fucking camera.

Norma, just shut
the fuck up please.

Laura, we don't need this.

Goddamit, woman!

Sis, sis, he ain't
never gonna get right.

Look, sorry for back there.

She wanted a big house.

This all turned into
a fucking nightmare.

You okay?

Sure.

Look, there's some
things we just don't need.

Can you erase that
stuff back there?

Absolutely.

Back to the city, I guess.

I got a couch.

That's long gone, history.

Tonight and all nights
erased and gone.

Did you back up
yesterday's files?

Yeah.

That could be a start.

It's still hot.

- Hey.
- Sure thing,

be safe out there.

I will.

All right.

Good to see you,
thanks for coming out.

Thank you, all right, all right.

Yes sir.

The more money I give you,

the less money my
aunt's gonna get.

Thank you, thank
you, thank you.

I just wanna thank you
all for coming out,

specially for your
loyal support.

I think I got a good shot of
winning the primary this year

and I can guarantee you

we'll make some big
changes here in Harlem.

And you can count on it

like money in the bank!

All right, all right.

Oh, more money, more money.

All right, I hear you
my people, all right.

It's all down to
collecting and drinking.

You can call it a night.

Sorry everybody.

Enjoy the party.

And a special thank
you to Josiah Wisper,

for letting us throw
this little party,

letting us throw this little
party right here in the Den.

Thank you J.

All right.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you.

Let me hear some noise,

let me hear some noise, people!

Man, you know we gonna do this.

You know we gonna do this.

My man.

Congratulations.

Bring me the glass.

Yo yo,
bring me the glass.

What are you
on, bankers hours?

Hey, you're the one
paying me the big bucks.

I'm going through our stuff.

It's actually working
out real nice.

I'm glad.

Yeah.

And what about
the wifey stuff?

That's been history, baby.

Good, good, good.

Hey I gotta pay some rent.

You wanna come with me?

Sure.

All right, let's go.

So glad I don't
live here anymore.

Make sure you get this.

Big Leroy!

How you doing, brother?

Hey, I'm fine.

All right.

Get yourself something
good to eat, all right?

Oh, thank you.

Anytime man.

Spend that on food.

All right.

What's up?

Benny!

Oh hi, Josiah,
I have it right here.

Who is it?

I'm sorry it's late.

Thank you for understanding.

Oh, no need.

- Who is it, baby?
- How's your Ma?

Oh she's much better.

- Benny.
- Good, good, good.

Is that yours?

Yeah, yeah, it's
something for me.

It's okay, no big deal.

All right Benny,
here's your receipt.

Thank you, Josiah.

God bless you.

In Jesus' name, God bless you.

No need, but hey

tell your mom I
said hi, all right?

- I will.
- Benny who is it?

Off we go to the next one.

I bet you anything, he got
an excuse, he don't got it.

Bryson!

Boy you know damn well
there ain't no smoking

in this building.

Man, you seriously
got a problem with me.

No, but you know why I'm here.

You said next week.

This is next week.

Then next week.

Tomorrow or your black
ass is in the street.

I believe we're speaking
the same language.

Yeah yeah, whatever.

I will see you tomorrow.

Come on Laura.

Jenine's birthday's on Saturday.

Can you make it?

I don't know, J.

I don't think the missus
likes me too much.

Nah, birthdays are different.

You're coming and
I'ma cover your time.

Come on, let's get out of here.

Saturday, June 4th.

I wanna thank all of you

for coming to
celebrate my baby girl.

I'm sorry, you're not
my baby girl anymore,

just seems like yesterday,
when you were a little baby

and we was living in like
a little tiny apartment

in the hood.

Anyway.

I wanna thank all
of you for coming

to my daughter's birthday.

And I turn the floor over
to the birthday girl.

I'd like to thank
everyone for coming

and mom and dad for a
fantastic birthday party.

Most of all, I'd
like to thank God

for my wonderful family,
this wonderful house,

this wonderful neighborhood.

Not a day goes by
without my thinking

of how blessed we are.

Mom, Dad, I love you.

Happy birthday!

Birthday, yeah.

Happy birthday, Jenine.

We're all so proud of you.

That was a lovely
speech you gave.

Josiah could not have asked
for a better daughter.

I am so proud of my grandbaby.

This is one of the
proudest days I have had.

I can't wait to see
what she's gonna become.

Happy birthday, Jenine.

We love you so much.

Sorry I'm late.

Congratulations
on your birthday.

Josiah couldn't have asked
for a better daughter.

Well he
could have asked.

Hey date, love you.

You wanna share
some of that cake?

No, you gonna
put that glass of

- champagne down?
- No I'ma finish it.

Why would I do that?

I hope you have a
great time in college

and thank you so much for
being the best sister ever.

Isn't that right?

Yeah.

I just really
wanted to congratulate

and thank Jenine for being
such an amazing role model

all these years.

Anyway I can't wait
to see what you're

gonna do next, girl.

Yeah, love peace
and happiness.

Hi guys.

Move over, I wanna wish
Jenine a happy birthday too!

Happy birthday, Jenine!

I love you, Jenine.

You okay, baby?

Yeah.

Thanks Mom, that's it.

Oh, shit it's late.

I'm gonna go take
her home real quick.

Baby girl, I'm sorry,
my little adult.

I love you.

Okay dad.

I got something
special for you tomorrow.

And you young lady,
let's get you home.

Okay.

J, stop speeding.

I ain't speeding.

I'm qualifying.

Make sure to leave me
enough battery power.

I'll pay you extra.

Yeah, I
got a couple spares.

Thanks.

Damn.

Oh come
on J, give me a break.

Hey, that is no way to
treat an entrepreneur.

Yeah yeah, fine, I
guess, you're right.

Yeah, I try to be, you know.

So how was the party?

Great.

I'm sorry you missed it.

Yeah.

I really doubt that.

Are you gonna play
that thing all night?

Excuse me?

The camera.

Ah, the camera.

Yeah, the camera.

No I wasn't planning on it.

Hmm, what's this over here?

I want you to leave the drink

and bring your cannoli.

Uh huh, uh huh, mhmm.

Mmm-mmm, let me get that.

That's right, Lieutenant.

About 250, black
as a struck match.

Just started dealing.

Find him at 134th and Lennox.

Keep me posted,
I'll do the same.

Hup, eight o'clock, Laura.

Let's check back at Oasis then

head to Jersey.

I wanna surprise Alisa.

Call you up in half
an hour, right?

Yeah, no problem, J.

Let's go.

Willy, small brother.

Aight.

Come on, let's go.

Hello New Jersey.

Shit.

Damn Alisa, how many
times I have to tell you

not to turn off
the porch lights?

J?

I have no idea
what's going on here

but do not stop shooting.

What the fuck is going on here?

How many kids do you have?

Three.

And how old were they?

Wisper!

How old were your kids?!

Penny's 16.

And Jenine, she just turned 18.

My little boy,
Michael was just five.

Hey,
what is that for?

It's fine, officer.

She's just helping me out.

Laura, stay on.

Surveillance can help,
it's a small town.

Cameras
everywhere these days.

Breaker's squeak as
a clear for prints.

Forensic's in the
other two rooms.

How we doing in here?

Single shot to the head.

She never felt a thing.

Hey, you okay?

This kid loved ballet.

My Casey does too.

Hey.

Yeah?

You gonna take off tomorrow.

Yeah, go spend some
time with your kids, go.

No, no, I'm fine, sir.

No, no, no, it's
not a suggestion.

Not a suggestion, come on.

I own a gun.

38 revolver.

I have a CCW for it.

Yeah, the one in the
kitchen, we have it.

It's never been fired.

We know.

You have a license to
carry that around, huh?

Any other weapons we
should know about?

No.

Sir, I'm Detective Cardelli.

Will you come back to
the station with us?

We have some more
questions to ask you.

It's routine.

Yeah take him back now.

It's fine, I got it.

Carlisle!

Hey, Cardelli.

What's the situation?

Mom and two of the kids
are bagged, ready to go.

Thompson's working on the
little ballerina right now

but guy's going all
chick flick up there.

Come on, a little
respect, please!

Listen soon as Wisper
hits tail lights

tell them to start
bringing the bodies down.

It's about time.

Nice and discreet.

I'm sorry, I'll have
them go ninja mode for you.

Really?

Whoah, media stays outside.

But I'm not media.

I don't care who you are,
you're not getting in here.

This is just an
informal interview.

This is Detective Archer.

This is Detective Conlin from
the Prosecutor's Department.

Oh, and Detective Thompson.

It's a big crowd in here
for an informal interview.

This is just routine
procedure, strictly voluntary.

However, we do appreciate
your willingness to cooperate.

Look, Josiah, we're
sorry about what happened

to your family.

We know this won't
be easy for you.

We'll be as gentle
with you as possible.

12:39 a.m., Wednesday
June 8th, 2016,

interview with Josiah Wisper.

You run the Lion's
Den Bar in Harlem?

I own the Lion's Den.

I also own the Oasis Bar,

three apartment buildings
and a card store.

Card store?

Stationery.

I sell stationery.

A silent partner.

Do you have any trouble
with any of those?

Mostly the buildings.

What kind of trouble?

Poor regulations,
but I still make money.

See your family earlier today?

No.

Just yesterday.

I brought some stuff in from
the city in the afternoon.

And that was the
last time you saw

your entire family
before tonight?

That's what I said.

Any domestic problems, Josiah?

Just the rent boy.

With your family?

No.

Marriage okay?

Sure.

Kids have any problems
at school, neighbors?

We're just a happy
suburban family.

And yet you bought a home

at a predominantly
white neighborhood.

Purple neighborhood
was all filled up.

What's your point, Detective?

Look, you're legally
allowed to carry a sidearm

in this state and we have
it with us for safekeeping.

Now Josiah, are there
any other firearms

that you didn't
mention to us about,

you know, maybe it slipped
your mind earlier tonight.

Just the one I legally carry.

It was handed over
to your department

out of my own free will.

I thought you said this was
just an informal interview.

That's correct.

A crowd of neighbors
have quickly gathered

outside the house where this
terrible tragedy took place

only a short time ago.

Okay if I ask you
a few questions, Mrs?

Kowalski, Irene Kowalski.

Thank you Mrs. Kowalski.

Mrs. Kowalski, how
long have you known

your neighbors
across the street?

Oh I don't know them really.

They only moved in
about a year ago.

Are you surprised
about something

like this happening here?

No, not really.

Josiah, you get along
with your wife's family?

She just got a sister, Norma.

Real pain in the
ass, but she's family

so I don't have much
choice in the matter.

What about your family?

I've got an older
brother Curtis, he's okay.

And Momma, she's still alive.

Your momma still alive?

No.

What'd you do after you left
your home Monday afternoon?

My usual routine.

I drove into Harlem
and made the rounds

of my businesses.

And yeah I called Alisa later,

went straight to voicemail.

Didn't think
that was a problem?

She was a busy woman
with her own things to do.

Continue please.

Not much else.

Caught up on paperwork and
went back to the Oasis.

After I dropped off Laura

I went to meet up with
Melonie at her place.

Who's Melonie?

Melonie Burton.

She manages for me sometimes.

We had to go over some
estimates for repairs.

She also helps me with
my outside appointments.

And?

It was late.

I didn't feel like
driving back to Jersey

so I crashed at Melonie's place.

Then in the morning, I went
to meet with my accountant.

What else?

Went back to Lion's Den,

did some more paperwork,

collected some rent at
one of my buildings.

Went back to Lion's, I
worked a few more hours

then drove home to Jersey.

With a gift for your wife.

I buy things for
her from time to time.

Just what is your
relation to Miss Barton?

Burton.

She's an employee, I told you.

She manages Oasis Bar.

Did you go out
with her socially?

We're friends.

Friends?

Yes.

Are you having
an affair with her?

We've had our times.

Your wife was aware of that?

Alisa knows.

She knew.

Was she concerned about it?

Was she concerned
about anything at all?

Yeah, she wanted me to
get out of the bar business.

Why was that?

The late nights, long hours.

She thought it was dangerous.

She worried about me.

She wasn't worried about
you fucking other women?

She knew me before
we were married.

Is Miss Barton, Miss Burton,

is she the first one
you had an affair with?

No.

You sleeping
around didn't bother

your wife at all?

No.

Josiah, maybe if you'd
been home last night

instead of out fucking
one of your friends,

maybe we wouldn't
be here right now.

Did you ever consider that?

I know.

How do you think I feel?

You just don't act like a man

who just lost his entire
family, that's all.

Really?

Really.

How's a man who
just lost his family

supposed to act?

Look, we wanna talk with
you some more, Josiah.

Where will you be
the next few days?

I'd probably be staying
at my momma's house.

All right, we understand.

Just leave the number
and the address

with Detective Thompson.

We'll get in touch.

All right, Wisper,
we're heading out back.

Don't want the press to make
mincemeat out of you just yet.

Come on.

Let's get out of here.

Come on, please.

I shot a
little more at the house.

How did it go in there?

They said it was an
informal investigation,

that's cop talk
for intimidation.

Ah, fuck!

Something ain't right.

This was a hit.

I could feel it.

They killed my family.

They wanna make me suffer.

What are
we gonna do, J?

I don't know.

But I know they're
coming for me next.

I'm not gonna let them do it.

From now on, we're
gonna get everything.

Whatever you
say, J, I'm with you.

Okay, we're here.

My whole family, gone.

How could this happen?

It was so hopeless, Mom.

Have one of these,
little brother.

It'll cure anything.

What happened, man?

I don't know.

I got home.

And I found the kids.

And then I found Alisa.

I just can't understand why.

We just have to
pray on it, baby.

I know you must be hungry.

Let me fix you something to eat.

No, not hungry, momma.

I'm good with this one.

They think I did it.

They're not saying it outright

but that's what
they're getting to.

You know how these people are,

specially the white ones.

Curtis.

Well it's true.

I didn't do it.

I didn't do nothing.

I don't even know
what I didn't do.

Too bad
you weren't recording

when it happened.

A nine
year old Metro girl

has a new lease on life

thanks to surgery at the,

There were no signs
of a forced entry

and no evidence of a robbery.

Apparently the assailant
was known by the family.

However, one source
indicated to this reporter

that there are many
questions about Wisper.

His quick rise from
poor ghetto beginnings

to a well-to-do businessman

owning several bars
and a $650,000 home.

I don't believe it.

Our sources also
indicated that Wisper

may be involved in illegal
lobbying, influence peddling

and possibly even
drug trafficking.

That's your answer?

You hear this shit?

Josiah don't
work with the man.

I can't.

You blind motherfuckers, man!

- Josiah.
- Blind ass motherfuckers.

Josiah James Wisper,

get your butt back in here!

Here you are, brother.

That must be Reverend Henning.

Shit.

I know you don't wanna
think about these things

right now son, but
they have to be done.

No.

I don't need some
pious Jesus freak

wanting to save my soul
from everlasting life

of fucking sin or whatever.

I've been known to
do a prayer like that

on a few auspicious
occasions, brother, but,

it isn't why your mother
asked me by today.

Son, this is Reverend Henning.

Apologize, Reverend.

The luminous at my church.

Can I get you something
to drink, Reverend?

Lemonade, iced tea, coffee?

No, no, no, no,
thank you ma'am.

You know what, I'll
just have the same

as these men here.

I'm sorry.

Does that thing have to be on?

Yes.

And,

You must be Josiah.

That's me, Reverend.

This is my big brother Curtis.

Josiah.

I'll get that drink.

Hey.

I'm very sorry
about your family.

Your mother's already
told me quite a bit.

And I understand your feelings.

I don't think anyone
can right now, Reverend.

It's true, you know.

No one ever can, right?

May I call you Josiah?

You already did.

Everybody calls me J.

J.

J, look.

J, I've never found it easy.

I've never found it
easy to help someone

at a time like this.

So I won't pretend.

But some decisions,

some decisions have to be made.

And I'm here to help
you as much as possible.

I appreciate that, Reverend.

I do want my family to
have a proper funeral.

But I don't want
crying and amens

and any other tearjerking crap.

Just something
dignified and quiet

and for momma and our friends.

I hear you.

Thank you, Curtis.

I hear you.

A77, turn here.

You okay, momma?

Curtis, Curtis.

You all right?

I'm fine.

Here it is.

You're okay?

Thanks.

So sorry.

- Thanks.
- God bless you.

Keep it moving.

Deepest sympathy,
I'm very sorry.

Thanks.

I'm so sorry.

You go ahead in line,
there's enough there.

Got it.

Watch yourself, J.

Sunday, June 12th
2016, 3:25 p.m.

Three lives and
you swear them,

that's the kind of relation?

Really, motherfucker?

He didn't say that.

He didn't say that to me.

J's good people.

He's always been good to me.

But like I said, he's the boss.

Do you understand?

Yeah.

So last night he
rolled up in here.

He's beat, started
tasting the bottle.

Said he was going home,
asked me to close up.

I close up on him.

Willy.

We're in New York
City jurisdiction now.

Detective Cardelli
is here courtesy

of my commanding officer.

And my partner, he's
attending the funeral.

So we appreciate
your cooperation

but we both have more questions.

Shoot.

Willy, did
you ever see your boss

with a small gun, like

a pocket pistol?

Let's see.

J had a 38.

Called it his sister.

If he was carrying a
lot of money on him,

he's walking with his sister.

He intended on
keeping his money.

Willy,
have you yourself

been in trouble with the law?

Kids stuff.

Yeah?

Shit kids get
into trouble for.

All kids get into trouble

before they graduate
from high school.

Like?

Stealing a car.

You know, taking something
from the five and dime,

no real shit.

You know, we
can check records.

Do what you need to do.

I got someplace
else I need to be.

Appreciate you
helping me out on this.

Look, I owe you for Bergman.

TV lights are gonna spread out

on both sides of the
river on this one.

It can be a boost for both of us

instead of drowning in
the usual flood of shit.

Just one thing though.

Wisper's still paranoid.

Like there's someone
still out there

trying to finish the job.

Is it real?

Has to be.

This whole neighborhood
is paranoid.

Look, time will tell.

I'll be in touch.

You bet, I hope so.

You could turn
this fucking thing off now.

June 20th, 2016, 10:25 a.m.

Second interview
with Josiah Wisper.

Thanks for coming in again.

Before we begin, I wanna ask you

are you sure you
wanna appear here

without an attorney?

I'm sure.

Can you tell me
more about that night

with Miss Burton?

Sure.

The night you spent
with Miss Burton,

were you in each other's
company the entire night?

Yes.

Sure you didn't leave her side

maybe when she fell asleep?

I'm sure.

Did you stop by your home
on your way to Miss Burton?

No, I told you.

And your wife
knew where you were?

Because of the
nature of my business

and the hours I keep,

sometimes I stay in the
city, sometimes with friends.

And that didn't
concern her at all?

No.

Except when it would
cause me to miss

one of my kids' school events.

Sorry guys.

Paperwork.

We were just discussing
your wife's reaction

to you staying out
of town overnight.

Yeah, you guys argue
about that sort of thing?

You know, about you
staying out all night?

I told you.

For the most part,
Alisa was cool

with that side of my life.

Must have been some
sort of superwoman, right?

To have your wife be okay

with your nighttime
proclivities.

We should bring her in
here and probably ask her.

Oh wait we can't,
'cause she's dead.

Go fuck yourself, Detective.

Look, Josiah, we
appreciate you coming in.

We're just trying
to sort this out,

find the pieces that fit.

Okay some of this may
sound outlandish to you

but I assure you it's necessary.

Okay, New York's doing
their part in Harlem.

We are gonna solve this case.

I hope so.

Oh we will.

We're gonna talk
some more to you

and everyone else involved.

We're gonna turn
this thing inside out

until we learn the truth, okay?

So I hope you've been
truthful with us, Josiah.

And if not, I suggest you
start being straight with me,

do you understand?

I hear you.

I'm standing here
with Debra Casale.

Miss Casale, did you
know the Wispers well?

I really didn't
know them that well.

He was always with that camera
taping his children and such.

He taped me too.

Did you have any
concerns with a bar owner

and potential drug
dealer living next to you

and your family?

- Well.
- Shut it off.

- I was a little concerned.
- Not you.

Brother.

We never imagined he
could be a drug dealer.

I mean this is a
nice neighborhood,

I never thought
they would hurt us.

Can you go up
the city tomorrow?

- You okay?
- Sure, what you got?

Uh huh.

Cops wanna talk to Melonie

and I need you to
be there to get it.

How'd you swing that?

You're not a suspect and
we're hiding the camera.

This is her address.

They'll be there at two.

I'll be there at one.

There's some other
people you wanna get

but we'll get to that later.

Is the gun still
in safekeeping?

I'll be scarce.

Won't be needing it.

All right ,
let's get to it.

Nice couch.

You sure this is gonna help J?

It can't hurt.

He's starting to
relax a little bit

so we should really
try to take advantage.

Don't look at the camera.

Looking at it or even toward it

is gonna attract
attention, okay?

Yeah, okay.

Come in and have a seat.

Can I get you some
coffee, Detective?

Or a drink?

- No thanks.
- I'll take some coffee.

Never mind.

No thank you, Miss Burton.

Presumably it is Miss?

It'll do.

I'm divorced.

Miss Burton,
I would like to ask you

some questions about the night

that you were with Josiah.

Go ahead.

Now Miss Burton,

you and Josiah came here

directly from his
child's birthday party.

Now he didn't happen
to leave this house

to go anywhere for
say, I don't know

a nightcap or a cup of coffee?

Or a stop in Jersey
to kill his family?

I didn't say that.

I know what you meant,
Detective Rothstein.

Sorry, Rothstein.

No, he came straight
here from the party.

He came in, stopped
at the front door,

hung out here in the living room

and then we went straight to bed

and I fucked his brains out.

Is that what you wanted to know?

We had breakfast in the
morning and then he left.

It was about what, nine o'clock.

He had a 10 o'clock meeting
with his accountant.

And neither
of you left here at all

during the night,
together or separately?

No.

How many times do I have
to tell you that, no.

You know, you
give him a very strong alibi.

Do you think he needs one?

No, not in the least.

Gives
you a strong one too.

What?

Makes me
wonder if you need one.

Why?

Is there a law against fucking?

I hope you had a good fourth.

I see you cleaned
the place up a bit.

Been here before?

You know if you feel more
comfortable, we can go...

No come on, let's
get this over with.

All right.

About your sister Alisa,

what's your relationship?

I mean we wasn't exactly
alike, as you can see.

She's the more successful one,

always driven to
rise above it all.

And she did too.

And look where it got her.

So you and Alisa, very close?

I mean we was close
enough as sisters could be

but we did our own thing too.

When was the last
time you saw her?

When he brought that
video ho to the house.

So no time between in,

Look.

I got a life too,
I can't be worried

about everybody else!

One of the neighbors
spotted you June 5th.

God.

Lord they nobody but
their damn nosy ass

Italian bitch Mrs. Casale.

Yeah I was there.

I needed to see Alisa.

I went over there
that morning but

nobody was home.

Well what about?

Damn, you all in my business.

I needed to borrow some money.

So did you borrow money
from the Wispers very often?

Not the Wispers, Alisa.

She always looked out for me

and slid me a little something.

But Wisper?

He don't give a damn about
nobody but his damn self.

So you don't get
along with Josiah?

Look, junior Detective.

I can get along with anybody.

But Wisper?

He always looking down on me

like I'm trash or something.

When he this close to
being trash himself.

Like what kind of grown ass man

walks around with a camera
following him all the time

like he about to be on
the news or something?

He's reckless.

And I bet you he
filmed his affairs too.

But Alisa?

Alisa got a heart.

She always looked out for
me and for her friends.

Man, we done here?

Yeah.

Don't call me
back down here no more.

You ready, Kenny?

Yup.

Tuesday July 12th,
2016, 2:35 p.m.

Clara, Josiah asked me to
canvas the neighborhood

to just document some
thoughts and comments,

anything you feel like
sharing, you know.

Anything.

I remember the
detectives told me

I shouldn't talk to anyone.

He meant the news people.

He did mention them.

The last time you saw Alisa?

It was two days
before it happened.

How was she, like
her normal self?

No she wasn't.

She was very upset.

Her husband being
in the city so much,

that upset her a lot.

But on that day,
she was much worse.

How?

She used to say that
these things bother her.

She mean her husband?

We used to meet up and talk.

On that particular day,

I just don't know
how to say this.

Take your time
Clara, it's okay.

I remember telling
her that she has to

go with the flow and
not to let things

bother her so much.

And then she said
there were times.

Times when?

How she
wondered how it would be

if her husband
would come back home

to a empty house.

I gotta go.

If her husband would come
back home to an empty house.

Yeah, she'd threatened
to take the kids

away from me.

Run off to her
mom's and Norma's.

There's nowhere she can go
that I wouldn't find them.

It was Alisa just mouthing off.

Follow me.

You sure you won't reconsider?

I'll make some things
happen and Oasis is yours.

Thanks J, but it's
better this way.

They're gonna
find out the truth

and this will all be over.

But people will
always be people.

Do you want me to say this, hmm?

They will always remember
that I was your alibi

and the Oasis,
that was my reward.

No, I'm sorry.

That's not the truth.

Yeah, whatever.

Whatever?

Nothing.

It's that night, isn't it?

You were gone for a long time!

Baby, I told you,

it's something I ate
was tearing up my guts.

I had to find a drugstore.

But I lied about it, okay?

What if they find out?

They will not find out!

I was looking for
a damn drugstore!

Look, I know where I was.

Where were you?

You're staying
around, aren't you?

I'm going to my
sister's upstate.

But,

No, it's got to be
this way, all right?

Look, we had some good times.

But it's over now.

You let me down, J.

I'll miss you.

No
you won't, please.

You don't miss anybody.

Shut it off.

Shut it off!

There he is.

July 20th 2016, 8:43 or so.

Hey It's early.

Still shooting, I see, yeah.

Where's your pretty camera girl?

Just me, Reverend.

Yeah?

Not fond of the gym?

Oh, I like the fresh air.

You should get up
participate once in a while.

I think I'm participating
enough right now, thanks.

Well look, thanks
for meeting me.

So tell me, how's it been going?

Good, good.

Son of a bitch is
finally letting me take

a lie detector test.

Yeah, and?

All good.

J, J, that's great.

Now I just need to
get them to believe me.

There might be a way.

All right, I've got an idea.

Maybe a way.

Yeah, sure.

You find the tall building,
I climb to the top of it

and scream at the
top of my lungs,

"I didn't fucking do it!"

Ah yeah, something like that.

But look.

I'm gonna be honest with you,

there aren't many
miracles left anymore.

But I might have found one.

A friend of mine
runs a radio station.

You could bring that camera.

Sound good?

Reverend, at this point,

I'm willing to try anything.

Bless you, brother,
have a good day.

- Thanks.
- Okay.

You too.

Hey, J, my brother.

Hey, Reverend Henning.

Thanks for coming.

Thanks for setting
this up, man.

- Absolutely.
- Appreciate it.

Hi, I'm Caroline,
the production manager.

- How you doing?
- Nice to meet you.

Josiah Wisper.

- Nice to meet you.
- Reverend Henning, pleasure.

Pleasure.

Right this way.

Thanks for having me here.

Welcome.

So Caroline, how
long you been working here?

About six months.

Oh nice.

Yeah.

Laura, she's my camera person.

She's kinda
documenting everything.

Do you mind if she
comes here with us?

It's best she doesn't come in.

Sure, do you
mind if I have her

just stay outside right here?

- Sure that's fine.
- Okay.

All right just set
up right there,

make sure you stay on
me, get all this, okay?

Okay.

All right, in here?

Yeah,
right in here.

Hi, Timolyn.

Pleasure, Josiah Wisper.

- Thanks for having me.
- Pleasure.

Nice to meet you.

Thanks for having
me on your show.

Sure, just sit right here.

Right here?

Reverend Henning, pleasure.

Nice
to meet you too.

I've never been in
one of these before.

I'm a little nervous.

It's not so bad.

Good morning and
welcome to Urban Report.

I am Timolyn Moore
and I'll be your host

for the next hour.

This morning we have a very
distinguished guest with us,

Mr. Josiah Wisper.

May I call you Josiah?

Josiah, you will recall
is a very successful

Harlem tavern owner who
returned home recently

to find his wife and
children brutally murdered,

all shot dead by a
mysterious unknown assailant.

First, Josiah, welcome.

Thanks.

Thank you very much for
joining us on our show.

Thank you for having me.

Josiah, I'd like to start
out by asking a question

that's on everyone's mind.

Did you murder your family?

J, hold on, hold on, hold on.

Come on, come on, come on.

Look, I'm really
sorry about that.

I wasn't expecting her
to say that, I'm sorry.

Sorry, she's
not her sensitive self today.

Yeah, but I'm used to it now.

Look, it's not your
fault, I'll call you.

Come on, let's just
get out of here.

It's a waste of my fucking time.

We're
trying very hard.

You ain't helping much.

I've put up a $5,000 reward.

I know.

But everything's a dead end.

Look, we know you
passed the polygraph

but we still can't prove
where you was at that night.

Now it's too bad you
weren't recording yourself.

I've told
you a dozen times.

And the lady backed you up.

What's the problem?

You're
backing each other up.

It's not like you
have a witness.

We weren't into threesomes.

Let's talk about drugs.

Harlem's busted a lot
of drugs in your bar.

That's a major dent
in illicit revenue.

I hope so.

I busted my ass tipping
off the authorities too.

Whoah, whoah, whoah,
wait, wait, wait.

You helped the department
on those arrests?

They never told you?

What have we got here, two
separate investigations?

Y'all don't talk to each other?

What happens, whoever
solves the Wisper murder

gets a big fucking medal?

All right, all right,

it's just something we
weren't informed of.

Christ, I could run
this investigation

better than both of
your departments.

Don't even think
about meddling.

Thank you, but any
information I find out

in regards to my
family's murder,

I don't consider meddling.

Just don't interfere.

Interfere?

As long as we've got
two police departments

acting like two
separate countries,

why shouldn't I interfere?

That reward is the
only constructive thing

going on in this case.

You get your shit together

or by damn I will interfere.

I want these murders solved,

I want them solved!

So do we, Josiah.

So do we!

Then do it.

Let's see what they
have this time.

All right, come on.

You
know where Josiah is?

In the back.

Bravo gentlemen, you
finally talk to each other.

Come on in.

That drug thing
was a communication problem.

We apologize.

Right.

Can we sit?

Please, by all means.

As you see we're not
exactly at full capacity.

I got your message, how'd it go?

How did what go?

The setup, the sting.

Oh yeah it was a week
ago, last Wednesday.

Yeah, we heard it
was Number Uno,

or one of his dealers
that did your family

for the problems
you caused them.

Yeah, I know that.

Yeah we did it
at Sweet's Tavern.

Yeah we did it at Sweet's
Tavern near Broadway, okay?

We had to catch
him in something so

we knew he wasn't at
the New York Place.

So why didn't you
just bring him in?

He had to do something first.

Look, Josiah, we're here
as a courtesy, you know that?

So the word on the
street was that he did it

or he ordered it and
knew the guy who did it.

So we set him up with a
informant who was wired.

He was to walk in and you
know, start a conversation,

get him to talk

and hopefully he'll
implicate himself on tape.

We paid this
informant $6,000 cash.

So what's your point?

He walked in the
front door of the bar

and walked out the back
door, ripped off the wire

and ran away.

You know this guy who
did, the snitch, right?

He's gone Josiah, he's gone.

We don't know where he is.

Uno's gone too.

What are you thinking?

I'm thinking if
somebody gave you guys

a bag of five dollar bills
to hand out on the corner,

you'd find a way to fuck it up.

Glad you're all so intent.

I want my gun back.

Your what?

My gun.

I want my gun back.

I'm no longer a
suspect, as you said

and you've had more than
enough time to check it out.

I know, I know you're
right, it's clean.

Cardelli.

That is my gun.

I'm legally licensed
to carry it.

I use it for my protection

from whoever did
this to my family,

from Uno, even from you.

Hah, from us?

Hah, really?

Really.

Rothstein.

Why do you think my
people are still around

after the haters
been trying to get us

for hundreds of years?

'Cause we're forgiving?

No.

It's because we're packing.

Maybe there'd be a lot more
of your people, Rothstein

if the Jews in Germany

had acted a little
bit less like Jews

and a little bit
more like Israelis.

I want my gun back.

- I want it back!
- How dare you.

Get the fuck out of
my bar, you're done.

These gentlemen are
done here, Willy.

September
12th 2016, 4:26 p.m.

Lil Bro, you sure know
how to find fucking trouble.

Ain't like I look for it.

So where were you for
the past two days?

You boys want some coffee?

Don't take but a minute
to fix a fresh pot.

No.

No thanks, momma.

You sure?

Nah, I'm okay.

If you change your
mind, I'm right here.

Okay.

Does she have
to fuckin be here?

She's getting everything I do.

You didn't answer my question.

Everything?

That's bullshit.

The bullshit's why she's here.

What do you mean by that, huh?

She's setting
the record straight.

If you kept
everything straight,

you wouldn't need
no camera taking it.

Curtis, why you always
busting my ass about something?

Why you pissed off, huh?

What is it that piss you?

Is it because I'm successful?

That I got a beautiful
home in Jersey

or I got a little
piece on the side?

Where were you for
the last two days?

I'll tell you.

When you turn off the
camera, I'll tell you.

Okay, I went upstate.

I had to get away.

Stop looking at me like that.

For Christ's sakes, Josiah.

You had a good wife and family.

Why'd you step on them
like that all the time?

That's
really fucking up.

Fucking up huh?

Fucking up?

At least I had a family

and I took damn
good care of 'em.

How many you ran through, what,

you been with one,
two, three wives?

With your holy shit on Sunday

and your face in
a barrel of scotch

the rest of the week?

I know Cardelli
wanted to speak to you

and you wanted to speak to him.

So where the fuck did you go?

What the difference
between me and you,

is when you stepped out,
you got your wife killed,

my two nieces, my nephew.

Bravo, bravo,

- big brother.
- No.

- You fuckup.
- Would you stop that

racket right now, hear me?

Right now!

Momma.

It's already made.

Might as well have some.

Lordy!

I tried to bring
up two good boys.

Lord knows I did.

And look at both of you.

You never grew up
to be good men.

You Curtis, drinking your way

through two good women!

And you Josiah,
shaming your family

the way you done, what is
wrong with the two of you?!

I just buried my grandbabies

and the two of you are
bickering like five year olds!

It's time to grow up!

Enough, enough, enough.

All right.

September 16, 2016, seven p.m.

Melonie's sister's house.

Stay hidden.

Sure.

What?

What?

Why, J, what are you doing here?

I was wondering
how you was doing.

Guess I'm doing okay.

Really nice out here.

Look, I was doing
something, all right?

Please, it's cold out here.

We're not done.

J, what do you want?

That night,
when I went out

to the drugstore, remember?

Yeah.

When I got back,
you were gone.

Where'd you go?

Out to do some killing, hmm?

Don't look around.

Ain't nobody to help.

That what you did?

No, no, I didn't
do nothing like that.

Look I didn't go do no killing.

Okay.

And?

I had the same thing
happen as you did.

And you were gone.

I had to go out
and get something

and I was almost out of gas.

That's why it took so long.

Then why
didn't you say so?

'Cause I was your alibi.

And if I wasn't there, well,

then I couldn't tell anyone.

But they had you already.

J, what happened to the
girl at the drugstore?

She could vouch for you.

I told you,
when I went back,

they said she
quit, she was gone!

Look.

As soon as I solve this,

I will make it up to you.

I'm sorry I got you involved.

Goodbye.

September
21st, 2016, 5:33 p.m.

You're pretty good at that.

I'm good at a lot of things.

Hustling pool got
me through college.

Took a lot of balls
to get my Master's

before I was able
to get on my feet.

Want a beer?

I'm on duty.

Not in this
state you're not.

I'm still on duty.

So all this started
out as a hobby?

Pretty much.

Until I could quit.

So what brings you back?

Rusty.

Haven't heard you
made any arrests yet.

Nope.

You need some pretty
solid evidence for that.

And we don't have it.

So Uno gets off?

Maybe I should take
care of him myself.

Don't even go there, J.

So what do you have?

A theory.

Theory?

A theory won't buy you crap.

Oh it's a believable one.

We just can't prove it.

For Christ's sakes Cardelli,

all this time and all you got

is a theory that you
can't even prove?

J, the bullets were
from a 32 caliber pistol.

Yeah it's a light round.

But a well placed shot
can put a grown man out.

Now we figured the
shooting took place

in the dead of night,

walls cut out most of the sound,

neighbors slept through
the whole thing.

Now ballistics match our hunch.

Now there was no one outside
your house that night,

no activity whatsoever.

No people, no cars.

And we interviewed a
bunch of your neighbors

and we were really
surprised at the amount

of information we got.

Not surprising, the
neighbors always poking around.

Well, with all that and
the crime scene evidence,

what happened that
night originated

and was contained
inside that house.

How?

It was an inside job, Wisper.

So now you're back to me.

I told you...

Not you.

No, Alisa?

And then turned the gun
on herself at the end.

Powder residue on her right
hand backs up that theory.

No, Alisa, she
didn't own no gun.

Yeah you know, it's a felony

to own an unlicensed
firearm in New Jersey,

but come on, if she
wanted to get one.

There was no gun at the sink.

And that's where
it all falls apart.

No gun, no case.

But how?

They had a key.

No, no, no, nobody had a key.

Except Norma.

Nope.

We can't prove that either.

Some church ladies
vouched for her.

They said that she was with them

overnight at some
kind of gathering.

It's hard to believe.

Yeah, it's the
only one that fits.

And one other thing.

You are no longer a person
of interest, officially.

So now you believe
what I told you

in the first place.

Unfortunately, yes.

Unfortunately?

You know, I just
wish we could have had

a camera set up that night

the way you got your camera.

Case closed.

But that's just a fantasy.

What?

I will be in touch
with you shortly.

Let's go, come on.

Ready J.

All right,
let's see what we got.

Okay.

What do we got here?

All right, what do you see?

What?

Oh god.

What, what?

No.

Oh god.

Oh my god.

No!

No, no!

Why would you, it's our kids!

Fuck, no!

Manny, Manny, Manny.

Josiah, slow down.

If the camera bothers him,

shut it off when
I tell you, don't.

I want to hear
what he has to say.

Got it.

Manny, Manny!

J, it's been a while.

Yes it has,
Manny, yes it has.

Sorry about your family, man.

What's that for?

It's a little side
project I got going on.

Do you mind?

No, I don't mind.

Is that what brings you here?

Partly, I need a piece.

Flavor?

Small enough to hick,
large enough to kill.

Right over here.

Nine mill.

It has a good feel.

You can use that
at home, for defense.

Bedside table.

Felt good.

Hard to tell the difference.

Nothing but the best, baby.

I see.

You got anybody in here

trying to unload
a piece recently?

All the time, man.

But I only get the quality.

Something small, fits
in a purse, handbag.

Something a chick would use.

I don't know.

I get all kinds of sellers.

Look at me, Manny.

Shut if off, Laura.

Okay.

Answer me.

We've been friends a long time.

Answer me, Manny.

A while back I was closing up

and some woman come in

wanting to unload a piece.

Said she needed some money.

She offered it up just
like you described.

She didn't have no
paperwork or nothing.

Wanted cash up front.

The thing is,

What, Manny?

I recognized that weapon.

How?

It was the gun
I sold your wife.

Man Alisa came in here one day

worried out of her mind,

said you're never home and
she's getting threatening calls.

Asked whether or
not I'd help her.

Discreetly.

You sold her
an unregistered gun?

Man, we're from the streets.

Law and order ain't exactly
around every corner.

This woman tried
to sell the gun,

what did she look like?

I mean, I don't know.

I ran her ass out of here.

She took the gun with her.

Didn't leave a name.

That gun's untraceable,
man, I left it at that.

Nothing, you remember nothing?

Man, my mind is shit.

That's why I got these
security cameras installed.

I can play it back
for you if you want.

That'll help, right?

Yes it would.

Please.

Goddamit, Norma.

Norma, open up.

Open up, Norma!

Norma, how did you get that gun?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

You know damn what the
fuck I'm talking about.

How did you get Alisa's gun?

I told you, asshole.

I fucking told you.

Get your fucking house in order.

No, no, no.

You had that fucking gun.

She knew about everything
I was fucking doing

from the fucking beginning.

That don't mean that she
fucking approved of that shit!

I don't wanna hear that shit.

How'd you get that gun?

Did you take it from my house?

Did you kill my fucking family?

Yeah I got it from
your damn house.

You killed your fucking...

Nah I didn't kill
my fucking family,

I went in there and
it was laying in there

next to her dead body
on the kitchen floor!

Now come on, let's go.

I'm not going no
fucking where with you!

You're coming with
me so we can straighten

this shit out.

I'm not telling
nobody nothing.

Besides, who gonna
believe me anyway?

Where'd you put the gun?

Huh, you try to
sell that shit, huh?

God knows I need money.

But I could never sell that gun.

That was my sister, Wisper!

You did that shit!

You did that shit!

You killed her.

- Come on.
- She may have pulled

- that trigger,
- Come on.

But you did that shit,

you killed your
own fucking family!

Fuck you Josiah, fuck you too,

get the fuck outta here!

It was all my fault.

She could have just
told me to stop.

I didn't do nothing.