Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - 3:12 PM

The witness, Greg Patterson, is a fifty-year old male and has been Oscar Knight's boss for several years. 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 Ted Armstrong
Detective Samantha Murphy
Greg Patterson

Detective Murphy: Good afternoon, Mr. Patterson. Will you please state your name and address for our records?

Greg Patterson: My name is Greg Patterson and I live at 634 West Main Street in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Detective Murphy: Thank you, Mr. Patterson, for agreeing to speak with us today. We need to ask you some questions about Oscar Knight.

Greg Patterson: I got the news that the finger found in that hotel belonged to Oscar. I was sorry to hear about that. I know Oscar wasn't well liked but I can't imagine who would want to kill him.

Detective Armstrong: We were told Oscar Knight was employed by your company. When and how well did you know Oscar?

Greg Patterson: Yes, Oscar worked for my company the Patterson Engineering and Development, Inc.  I can't give you the exact day I met Oscar. It's been years. He submitted a resume to my office and was called in for an interview. He came into my office all cocky and full of himself. But something about him made me want to give him a chance. So I hired him on the spot.

Detective Armstrong: We were told Oscar wasn't well like by his co-workers.  Can you tell us anything about that?

Greg Patterson: He wasn't a very likeable person. He was crude and obnoxious when he wanted to be. His co-workers didn't care much for him. They mostly ignored him.

Detective Armstrong: Why would you want a man like that working for you?

Greg Patterson: Oscar Knight was an excellent engineer. He was an exceptional worker and for the most part when he was doing his work he didn't say much to anyone. He was a loner and kept to himself. He and I had our share of clashes but we always worked it out. I guess in some ways I felt bad for him. I know he didn't have any friends and had little to do with his family.

Detective Murphy: Did you see Oscar before he left to come to Oxford for the Marshall Family Reunion?

Greg Patterson:  I saw Oscar last on Thursday, July 30th. He had asked to take off on Friday. He was excited about going to the reunion. He said he was going to see people he hadn't seen in years.

Detective Murphy: Did Oscar mention anyone by name?

Greg Patterson: He did mention a woman he once dated in high school. I think he called her Lizzie. He said he hadn't seen her since then but he was convinced she'd still be a hot ticket. He also mentioned the Marshall guy that sets up the reunion. He didn't have anything nice to say about him. He said he would like to pop him right in the kisser. 

Detective Armstrong: Mr. Patterson, can you think of anyone at your workplace that may have wanted to harm Oscar Knight?

Greg Patterson: I know a lot of people didn't like him. I can't imagine anyone hating him enough to kill him.  It's a sad thing, but I doubt anyone will miss him.

Detective Murphy: That is sad. We appreciate your time Mr. Patterson. You're free to go.

Greg Patterson: Thank you.

Interview ends: 3:51 PM