Wednesday, June 23, 2004 --
2:50 PM
The witness was working at the Shell gas station at 1455 S Lamar Blvd on
the night Kristi Waterson was murdered. The interview took place at
the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department and was
recorded on a portable tape recorder with the witness's knowledge and
consent.
TA = Detective T. Armstrong
SM = Detective S. Murphy
MD = Marla Deere
TA: Thanks for stopping by to see us.
MD: Am I in trouble or something?
TA: No, Ms. Deere. We're investigating a homicide and wanted to ask
you a few questions.
MD: Me? I don't know anyone who's been killed.
TA: That's okay. Before we get started, would you tell us your
name and address for the record?
MD: Marla Deere. 417 Cherokee Drive.
TA: Thanks. Ms. Deere, we understand you were on duty at the
Amoco station the night of May 22 -- that was a Saturday.
MD: Okay. So?
TA: We're wondering what you remember about that evening.
MD: That was a long time ago. May 22 -- that was the weekend before
Memorial Day, right?
TA: Yeah.
MD: I don't know. I don't remember -- it's too far back. I
mean, unless someone shoplifts or something, it's pretty slow. I usually
just watch TV -- I have a portable. On Saturdays, I like America's Most
Wanted and Mad TV.
SM: What time did you start work?
MD: I do the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift.
SM: How many customers would you say you get on a typical Saturday?
MD: Maybe 90 or 100? I don't keep track.
SM: What about that evening -- was it more or less busy than usual?
MD: I don't know. Not as busy as it is during the school year.
TA: Do you remember seeing this man?
MD: No. Wait -- let me look. Oh. You know what? I do remember him. I
mean I think I do -- I'm not sure.
SM: That's okay. Tell us about it.
MD: Well, he was driving a weird car. I think one of them hybrids --
Insight.
SM: What else?
MD: He drove into full-serve. That's why I remember him. It's coming
back -- he drove into full-serve. Normally when people do that, they
really just want self-serve and didn't notice the sign. So I just stayed
inside. But then he honked the horn, so I guessed he really wanted
full-serve.
SM: What happened then?
MD: I went out and filled the tank for him. Yeah, it was Insight --
green, I think.
SM: What did he say?
MD: Nothing. I asked him what grade he wanted, and he said 87. Then
he rolled up the window again. I washed the windshield since I figured
he wanted the full-serve treatment.
SM: Was there anyone with him?
MD: No. Wait. Yeah. It's coming back -- there was a girl with him.
Long blonde hair. Fancy clothes. They weren't dressed up, but they still
looked fancy. Which made sense that they wanted full-serve.
SM: How did he pay?
MD: Cash. He had a fifty I had to change -- I remember that too.
TA: You're doing great. Now Ms. Deere, around what time would you say
this was?
MD: Oh God, I don't know. I don't remember.
TA: It's important we know.
MD: I'm sorry. I just can't.
SM: Was it dark out when you went out to pump the gas?
MD: No.
SM: Okay. What was on TV then? Were you watching America's Most
Wanted?
MD: No. It must've been before. I think it was early -- it was before
my dinner break. I bring something to heat in the microwave and eat it
at 8, and it was before that.
SM: Great. Ms. Deere, what else can you tell us about that couple?
MD: I don't know. They looked fancy -- I said that. They were
listening to music. Country, I think. He rolled up the window, but I
heard a little of it.
TA: Did they seem to be getting along?
MD: Sure. I guess.
TA: What did the man say when you gave him his change?
MD: Nothing. Just took it. They were kind of snooty.
SM: Where were they heading?
MD: Back to town, I guess. They turned right.
SM: What else can you tell us?
MD: I don't know. Nothing. All I can say is they were rich I guess.
TA: Did they ever come back?
MD: I don't know. I mean, I never saw them.
TA: Anything else unusual happen that evening?
MD: Not that I remember. I think it was pretty slow.
TA: All right, Ms. Deere. You've been very helpful. You can go now.
MD: Okay.
Interview ends -- 3:14 PM
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