Greg Patterson interview

Friday, September 2, 2022 – 11:30 a.m.

Greg Patterson has been Oscar Knight's boss for several years.

Detectives Murphy and Parker interviewed him at the Tupelo Police Department.

Participants:

• Detective S. Murphy
• Detective E. Parker
• Greg Patterson

Detective Murphy: Good morning, Mr. Patterson. Will you please state your name and address for the record?

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

Detective Murphy: Thank you for coming to speak with us today. We'd like to ask you some questions about Oscar Knight.

Greg Patterson: I heard that finger y'all found in that motel belonged to Oscar. I was sorry to hear about that. I know Oscar isn't well-liked, but I can't imagine who would want to hurt him like that.

Detective Parker: We understand Oscar Knight worked for your company.

Greg Patterson: That's right, ever since he got out of the military. I mean, I didn't own the business back then, but I worked there when he was hired, and we've worked together ever since.

Detective Parker: You said Oscar wasn't well-liked. Who didn't like him?

Greg Patterson: Oscar's not much of a people person. He can be crude and obnoxious when he wants to be, so his co-workers don't much care for him, but they mostly ignore each other.

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

Greg Patterson: Oscar Knight is an excellent engineer and an exceptional worker. I wish I had more like him.

Detective Parker: Even though your other employees don't get along with him?

Greg Patterson: Okay. I wish I had more who were mostly like Oscar. Like him, but with people skills. For the most part, he keeps to himself at work, so it's not an insurmountable problem, but I'll be honest. It would be nice if he was more of a team player.

Detective Murphy: You've said your employees don't always get along with Oscar, but how did you get along with him?

Greg Patterson: He and I have had our share of clashes over the years, but we always work it out. I guess, in some ways, I feel bad for him. I know he doesn't have any close friends and doesn't see his family.

Detective Parker: It sounds like you know Oscar pretty well.

Greg Patterson: I don't know if anyone knows Oscar "pretty well," but we've worked together a long time. You get to know things about a person.

Detective Murphy: When did you last see Oscar?

Greg Patterson: I saw Oscar when he was leaving work on Thursday, August 18th. He had asked for that Friday off. He was excited about going to a reunion in Oxford. 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 say something about a woman he had dated in high school. I think he called her Lizzie. He said he hadn't seen her since then, but he was convinced they still had a connection.

Detective Murphy: Anyone else?

Greg Patterson: He also said something about a guy named Steve. Oscar didn't have anything nice to say about him, but for some reason, he was looking forward to seeing him.

Detective Parker: Mr. Patterson, can you think of anyone who may have wanted to harm Oscar Knight?

Greg Patterson: He's not anybody's favorite person, but I can't imagine anyone hating him enough to want to hurt him.

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

Greg Patterson: Wait. Have you found Oscar?

Detective Murphy: Yes, sir. We have.

Greg Patterson: That's wonderful news. Can I expect him back at work soon?

Detective Murphy: No, sir. I'm afraid not.

Greg Patterson: Oh. Oh! Oh, no. What happened?

Detective Parker: We can't talk about the details of an ongoing investigation. I'm sorry.

Greg Patterson: I'm sorry too. The sad thing is, I'm not sure anyone will miss him but me.

Detective Murphy: That is sad. Thanks again for coming in. We'll be in touch if we need anything else.

Greg Patterson: Yes, please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.

Interview ended – 12:01 p.m.