Chapter 8

 

LONG-TIME FRIEND PAINTS DIFFERENT PICTURE OF MURDERER

 

By Lila DeRosa, reporter

 

A childhood friend of local alleged serial killer Ainsley Price says she had a “good heart.”

 

“Ainsley had a long life of heartache. I blame myself for not realizing she needed more from me than what I gave,” said the friend, who wished to be identified only as Sam.

 

In an exclusive interview with The Wilport Herald, Sam told of  heartbreak Ainsley experienced as an early teenager when her best friend died tragically.

 

“She would spend so much time in the graveyard and no one would stop her. I tried,” Sam said.

 

“It was obvious she wasn’t the same after that happened. She became darker and more isolated, but to me, she was always my A.J.—she always had a smile for me,” he said, getting emotional over the memory.

 

“I should have pushed her more. Asked more questions. I can’t imagine there was anyone closer to A.J. than me. And still—still, she felt so alone,” Sam said.

 

Asked why she would have committed such crimes, Sam said he, much like the rest of the community, is at a loss.

 

“No one can explain why someone would do what she did.”