On Thursday, November 21, 2002, Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's investigators questioned employees at the Ole Miss Motel about anything they witnessed involving Wenzel Hitzig. The interview descriptions below, provided in summary and not verbatim, are those relevant to the investigation and are representative of all interviews conducted.

• Frank Astin, front desk clerk, 805 College Hill Rd., Oxford

Astin said he works the night shift at the front desk. He said he saw Wenzel Hitzig enter the motel on the Saturday evening of the November 2, 2002, at approximately 10:15 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Astin said Hitzig was accompanied by a woman who Astin believed was Arlene Melton. Astin said he recognized both Hitzig and Melton from their previous stays at the motel and that he exchanged pleasantries with both. Astin further said both Hitzig and Melton seemed in good spirits and happy, and that they were holding hands as they walked up to the front desk. Astin said saw Wenzel Hitzig return to the motel on Sunday, November 3, 2002, but this time Hitzig was alone. Astin said that he thought Hitzig returned at approximately 11:00 p.m. Astin said about Hitzig, "He certainly didn't look as happy as he did the night before," and added that he asked Hitzig if anything was wrong. Astin said Hitzig replied that he was "fine" but that he'd had a long and tiring day. Astin said Hitzig referred to taking "one step forwards, two steps backwards."

• Juanita Mann, housekeeping, 2216 Church St., Oxford

Mann sad she cleaned Wenzel Hitzig's room on Sunday, November 2 and Monday, November 3, 2002, at approximately 11:00 a.m. each day. Mann said she did not meet Hitzig on either occasion, but said his room was tidy and there were no problems or anything of note on either occasion.

• Margaret Watts, front desk clerk, 1217 Beanland, Oxford

Watts said she works the day shift at the front desk. She said she saw Wenzel Hitzig leave on Monday morning, November 4, 2002, when he dropped his key at reception at approximately 10:20 a.m.. Watts said she had to call Hitzig back because a phone call came through for him as he was leaving and the caller had asked for him by name but did not know which room number he was staying in. Watts said the caller never gave a name but described the voice as an adult male, possibly in the 30-50 age group. Watts said she remembered some of the details of Hitzig's side of the conversation because of what happened later that day. Watts said Hitzig took the phone and said hello, then there was a pause, followed by an apology from Hitzig, who said he was sorry about that. Watts said Hitzig then said, "No, not this morning. I am busy. I'm just leaving." Watts said Hitzig then said, "Yes, okay, this afternoon at 4:30," then said goodbye and hung up. Watts said Hitzig then left the motel and that was the last she saw of him.