Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 10:00 AM

The witness, who is a friend of the victim, was interviewed by Detectives
Armstrong and Murphy of the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department. The
interview was conducted at Yoknapatawpha Sheriff's Department Headquarters
and was recorded on a portable tape recorder with the witness consent.

Detective Ted Armstrong
Detective Sam Murphy
Marvin Lewis

Detective Murphy: Good morning, Mr. Lewis. We appreciate you coming to talk with us today.

Marvin Lewis: Thank you, detective. I assume this is about Blake's death. I still
can't believe he's gone. How could this have happened?

Detective Murphy: That’s what we’re trying to find out. For the record, could you please
state your name and address.

Marvin Lewis: Marvin Lewis.  532 North Lamar, Oxford.

Detective Armstrong: Mr. Lewis, what time did you arrive at Blake Jenson's cottage?

Marvin Lewis: Please call me Marvin?  I went to Blake's around 5:00 and left around 5:30 since Blake was having some friends over for a "Guitar Hero" party. I went to see a movie at Oxford Studio.

Detective Armstrong: Why didn't you stay for the party?

Marvin Lewis: I'm not really into parties. I like movies.

Detective Murphy: Would you have been welcome if you stayed?

Marvin Lewis: I guess.

Detective Armstrong: Who was at the cottage when you arrived?

Marvin Lewis: Blake and Kent Erdell. We sat and chatted for a while about how
things were going with school and their band, "Random Deeds."

Detective Murphy: You ever think about joining the band?

Marvin Lewis: Too much wear and tear on the fingers. I'm going to be a heart surgeon.

Detective Murphy: Good luck with that.

Detective Armstrong: Does Blake have these parties often?

Marvin Lewis: Yes, he did. Blake is, or should I say was, the local "Guitar Hero" champ. He was proud of that accomplishment.

Detective Armstrong: Not quite on par with becoming a heart surgeon, is it?

Marvin Lewis: No, sir. But it was important to him. When he wasn't in school or practicing with his band, he had friends come over to his cottage to challenge him.

Detective Armstrong: Did you play? It's quite a popular game.

Marvin Lewis: No, I'm not really musical.

Detective Armstrong: From what I've seen, it's more about reflexes and control. Good traits for a heart surgeon.

Marvin Lewis: I guess.

Detective Murphy: Marvin, can you think of anyone who might have wanted to harm Blake?

Marvin Lewis: Because of Guitar Hero? People wanted to defeat him, but it's not like someone would kill him over a game.

Detective Murphy: Maybe for some other reason, then.

Marvin Lewis: No, Blake was really popular. He might have bragged about his expertise a bit too often, but that's all.

Detective Armstrong: Marvin, you mentioned Kent Erdell. What can you tell us about Kent?

Marvin Lewis: I've known Kent since junior high. He and Blake are best friends, and they go to school together at Ole Miss. Kent's the drummer in Blake's band. I heard he called 911. I'm just glad I wasn't there. It must have been awful.

Detective Armstrong: Are you friends with Kent?

Marvin Lewis: Just by association with Blake.

Detective Murphy: How do you feel about their friendship?

Marvin Lewis: How do you mean?

Detective Murphy: You like Blake, but he likes Kent better.

Marvin Lewis: Blake and I were good friends, but not best friends. He always made time for me. I'm going to miss him. Sorry.

Detective Armstrong: That's okay, Marvin. Here's a tissue. We know it's hard losing a friend.

Marvin Lewis: Thank you, detective.

Detective Armstrong: As soon as you're ready, you're free to leave.

Detective Murphy: If you think of anything that may be helpful to our investigation, please don't hesitate to call.

Marvin Lewis: Thank you.

Interview Ends: 10:45AM