Sheriff Butler

**Sheriff Butler** is the local law enforcement officer in Crowley, Texas. He is adamant that Mike Dawson is guilty of the murder of Rita Scanlon. He is aided by Deputy Brown and answers directly to Mayor Fleming. He can sometimes be found in the sheriff's office, reading a dirty magazine.

In *Dark Seed*, the Keeper of the Scrolls warned Dawson that law enforcement in his world was under the control of the Ancients - however, it is never made clear in *Dark Seed II* if this is also the case. Given Butler's hostility towards Dawson and his attempts to get Dawson arrested, that could very well be true.

His photography model is Michael Hiebert, while his voice actor is Vincent C. Murovich III (who also did Paul Cooper).

## Biography

Butler was originally assigned with the Dallas Police, but soon left. Although he claims he left on his own accord, Dawson soon discovers a newspaper clipping that shows he was indicted for bribery. Jimmy Gardner may know this (he claims to have some dirt on the sheriff), hence why Butler, for the most part, leaves Jimmy alone.

At some point, Butler began to date Rita. Like Dawson, he grew tired of the time and energy she spent on her reading group, and eventually broke up with her. Rita also tried to get Butler to join the group, but he refused. LeeAnne Morris supposes that Butler isn't interested in any reading material that "doesn't include a centerfold." Although Butler acts nonchalant about the breakup, Dawson can find a framed photo of Rita on the sheriff's desk - with shattered glass, as if broken by a first.

Butler investigated the death of Mr. Ramirez, but found no foul play, let alone evidence that Mrs. Ramirez was a murderer.

## In-Game (Spoilers)

Sheriff Butler is the first NPC that Mike Dawson speaks to - in fact, he enters Dawson's room right as Dawson wakes up! Butler explains some of the details of the crime - including the fact that at least two witnesses say they saw Dawson and Rita leave the high school reunion together while arguing - and why he suspects Dawson of being the killer. He also mentions that the FBI have gotten involved at Mayor Fleming's behest.

Dawson can visit Butler at the sheriff's office in town, where he can question Butler on his past, as well as just how close Butler was to Rita himself. Unfortunately, Butler will not leave his office in case of an emergency.

When Dawson decides to lure Butler out of his office, Mike has a few fake crimes to throw his way and (hopefully) lure him out of the office:

* A car accident on Highway 71.
* A robbery in progress. [*Two choices available.*]
	+ An old lady is being attacked at an ATM.
	+ A hold-up at the Dairy Freeze.
* A murder attempt on Dawson's life.

Highway Patrol handles accidents, and Butler will presume the murder claim is a prank call - only the middle option (either choice) will work. After Butler leaves, Dawson is free to ransack his office, where he'll find evidence of a closer relationship with Rita than he let on, as well as why he was forced to leave the Dallas Police. If Dawson stashes the newspaper and photo into his inventory, Pandora will tell him that she sees "a dog barking at a barren tree". Jack will tell Dawson that he thinks Butler isn't a suspect for a potential murderer.

Later on, after Slim hands Dawson a love letter from Rita to Mayor Fleming, as well as a gun from Jimmy, Dawson will in turn hand this over to Butler. Butler mentions that Mayor Fleming has been found dead in the park, and promises to look into the letter. Shortly thereafter, Dawson will bump into FBI agent Gannon, who will say that Butler has been taken off the case.

After defeating the Behemoth, Dawson will find himself in Dr. Sim's office, where the psychologist is dead - killed by Jack. Jack reveals that he was the Shape Shifter the whole time, and proceeds to kill Dawson. Butler and Brown will then enter, and Butler (who can't see Jack) will write the incident off as a murder/suicide.

## References

1. ↑ *Dark Seed*, in-game dialogue
2. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0142210/fullcredits?ref\_=tt\_cl\_sm
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 *Dark Seed II*, in-game dialogue
4. ↑ *Dark Seed II: The Official Strategy Guide*, pg. 34