Marla Deere interview

Thursday, August 31, 2023 – 3:15 p.m.

Marla Deere was working at the Marathon gas station at 1455 S Lamar Blvd on the night Kristi Waterson was murdered.

Detectives Armstrong and Murphy interviewed her at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Marla Deere

Detective Armstrong: Thanks for stopping by to see us.

Marla Deere: Am I in trouble or something?

Detective Armstrong: No, Ms. Deere. We're investigating a homicide and wanted to ask you a few questions.

Marla Deere: Me? I don't know anyone who's been killed.

Detective Armstrong: That's okay. Before we get started, would you tell us your name and address for the record?

Marla Deere: Marla Deere. 417 Cherokee Drive.

Detective Armstrong: Thanks. Ms. Deere, we understand you were on duty at the Marathon station Saturday night.

Marla Deere: Okay. So?

Detective Armstrong: We're wondering what you remember about that evening.

Marla Deere: I don't know. I mean, unless someone shoplifts or something, it's pretty slow. I usually just watch TV.

Detective Murphy: What time did you start work?

Marla Deere: I do the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift.

Detective Murphy: How many customers would you say you get on a typical Saturday?

Marla Deere: Maybe 150 or 200 during football season? Probably more like 90 or 100 the rest of the year, but I don't keep track.

Detective Murphy: What about that evening? Was it more or less busy than usual?

Marla Deere: Busy enough.

Detective Armstrong: Do you remember seeing this man?

Marla Deere: No. Wait—let me look. Oh. You know what? I do remember him. I mean, I think I do. I'm not sure.

Detective Murphy: That's okay. Tell us about it.

Marla Deere: Well, he was driving one of them electric SUVs. I remember wondering what he was doing at a gas station.

Detective Murphy: What was he doing there?

Marla Deere: Came to buy beer. Rolled in like he didn't have a care in the world. I asked him for ID, of course, and he acted like I was putting him out, but he showed it to me. He was 21, so I don't know what the big deal was. He is 21, isn't he? He didn't get me in trouble with the law?

Detective Murphy: He's 21.

Marla Deere: Good!

Detective Murphy: What happened then?

Marla Deere: Nothing. He paid and left.

Detective Murphy: Was there anyone with him?

Marla Deere: 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.

Detective Murphy: How did he pay?

Marla Deere: Cash. He had a fifty I had to change. I remember that too.

Detective Armstrong: You're doing great. Now, Ms. Deere, around what time would you say this was?

Marla Deere: Oh God, I don't know. I don't remember.

Detective Armstrong: It's important we know.

Marla Deere: I'm sorry. I just can't.

Detective Murphy: Was it dark outside when he came in?

Marla Deere: Yes, I believe so.

Detective Murphy: Okay. What was on TV then?

Marla Deere: A ball game, I reckon. The customers like it when I put a game on. I think it was early, before my dinner break. I bring something to heat in the microwave and eat it at 8:00 p.m., and it was before that.

Detective Murphy: Great. Ms. Deere, what else can you tell us about that couple?

Marla Deere: I don't know. They looked fancy. I said that. They were listening to music. Country, I think.

Detective Armstrong: Did they seem to be getting along?

Marla Deere: Sure. I guess.

Detective Armstrong: What did the man say when you gave him his change?

Marla Deere: Nothing. Just took it. They were kind of snooty.

Detective Murphy: Where were they heading?

Marla Deere: Back to town, I guess. They turned right.

Detective Murphy: What else can you tell us?

Marla Deere: I don't know. Nothing. All I can say is they were rich, I guess.

Detective Armstrong: Did they ever come back?

Marla Deere: I don't know. I mean, I never saw them.

Detective Armstrong: Anything else unusual happen that evening?

Marla Deere: Not that I remember.

Detective Armstrong: All right, Ms. Deere. You've been very helpful. You can go now.

Marla Deere: Good. I gotta get to work.

Interview ended – 3:42 p.m.