Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 9:01 AM

The witness, Blanche Duncan, is the 39-year-old mother of Taylor Duncan. The interview was conducted at the Yoknapatawpha Sheriff's Department and recorded on a portable tape recorder with the witness's knowledge and consent.

Detective Samantha Murphy

Detective Ted Armstrong

Blanche Duncan

Detective Murphy: For the record please state your name and address.

Blanche Duncan:  My name is Blanche Duncan and I live at 721 College Hill Road.

Detective Armstrong:  May I offer you something to drink before we begin?

Blanche Duncan:  No thank you, detective.  I'm okay.

Detective Murphy: Mrs. Duncan, we read the missing persons report you and your husband filed on your daughter Taylor.  I know this must be difficult for you, but the sooner we gather information, the more it will help us to find your daughter. When was the last time you saw Taylor?

Blanche Duncan:  Yesterday in the morning before I left for work.  I peeked in on her and Joey they were both sleeping.

Detective Armstrong: When did you discover Taylor was missing?

Blanche Duncan:  I got up around eight this morning, got dressed and made breakfast. We had plans to do something with the kids today, so I went to wake up Taylor but she wasn't there. I went to Joey's room and got him up and asked if Taylor had said anything about staying with Martina last night. He said she never mentioned it. I called Martina, Taylor's best friend, and she said the last time she saw Taylor she was sitting in Blake Jenson's car.

Detective Armstrong: Mrs. Duncan, do you know this Blake Jenson?

Blanche Duncan: No, I don't know him. Do you think he could have something to do with my daughter's disappearance? 

Detective Armstrong: We don't know, but he is certainly someone we want to speak with. He may be able to help us locate your daughter. Now, Joey, this is your son?

Blanche Duncan:  Yes.  Our youngest.

Detective Armstrong:  Was he home when Taylor left for the party?

Blanche Duncan: Certainly.  He said Taylor was excited about meeting a boy that was going to be at the party.  I wonder if this Blake Jenson was the boy Taylor was talking about.

Detective Armstrong:  Was it his party?

Blanche Duncan:  I don't know who threw the party.

Detective Armstrong: Mrs. Duncan, did you and your husband always allow Taylor to go places and not tell you where she was going?

Blanche Duncan: Of course not.  We trusted Taylor.  She's a good girl. She usually tells us where she's going but I guess with our busy schedules she forgot. She is an adult. She's never given us any problems. We trust her to do the right thing. If only I had phoned her last night. It was after seven when I got home and I was exhausted so I went to bed early. Now she's missing, and I have no idea where she could be. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to start crying but it's hard not knowing where she is and if she’s safe. I feel so helpless.

Detective Murphy: It's ok.  You're doing great. Here's some tissue. If at any time you need to stop, please let us know.

Blanche Duncan:  No, please continue, you're both very kind but all I need now is to help find my baby and bring her home.

Detective Murphy: Was Taylor having problems with anyone?

Blanche Duncan: The only person I can think of is her boyfriend Brent Woods. Brent and Taylor have been dating for a while and Taylor decided she didn't want to be tied down with one person. She told Brent she wanted to date other people and he could do the same. I don’t think he liked it but he hasn't been causing any problems that I know of.

Detective Armstrong: Do you know if Brent attended the party last night?

Blanche Duncan: I'm sorry I don't have any idea. Martina might know.

Detective Armstrong: We'll most certainly contact Martina. I know this has been difficult for you, but you've given us some good information. We hope to find your daughter soon. Take care and if you think of anything else please call.

Interview ends:  9:45 AM