Friday, September 19, 1997
Guest:  Detectives Armstrong and Nelson
 
Opening Remarks:
 
Detective Armstrong:  "I also came by tonight to let 
you all know that I'll be leaving the force for a 
while. I decided that with all of the politics from 
this last case that I really just need a break for a 
while.  However, I will be starting up my own Private 
Investigation firm. It'll be nice to work for myself 
and pick my own cases for a while."
 
He will be joining forces with Detective Anderson in 
this venture.  Detective Anderson was discharged from 
the hospital and is recuperating at home.
 
Detective Nelson is in charge of this next case.  He 
is the lead investigator.  He gave the initial 
presentation on the new case.
 
"Women, after a night at Proud Larry's, have been 
attacked.  I'm not at liberty to discuss the other 
cases I can, however, discuss, the latest case.  That 
victim has agreed to the publicity.  She was attacked 
in her room, the door left unlocked, brutalized for a 
lengthy period.  Witnesses helped us find the 
suspect."
 
Question & Answer session:
 
Q:  Why the door was unlocked?
A:  She left the room unlocked to her dorm, the 
outside exits were secure and monitored.
 
Q:  Is she OK?
A:  Yes, she received immediate care.  She is staying 
with friends and will continue school.  I don't think 
she'll move back to the dorms.  The rape kits showed 
positive.
 
Q:  Has she seen the guy you have yet?
A:  She has identified the man, our other victims had 
lineups, too.  None of the others were able to 
identify him.
 
Q:  Is Tony a football player?
A:  No, he is not a football player.  The jacket was 
an older, retro-style.
 
Q:  Where was campus security?
A:  Campus security made an error, admitting him.
 
Q:  Detective, if you already have a suspect - where 
do  we come in?
A:  There is a likelihood that this man did not commit 
the other crimes.  The task is to clear or convict him 
and then find the rapist, unless of course, other 
developments tear us away.  The Knight case still 
doesn't have a CASE SOLVED stamp.  Any developments 
with Pierce will be pursued.
 
Q:  This is the fourth rape, right in the last month?
A:  5th.  Previous incidents:  8/10, 8/23, 8/27, and 
9/8
 
Q:  Was the suspect wearing an orange jersey or 
jacket?
A:  The police report is correct.  He was wearing an 
orange football jersey and an orange jacket.
 
Q:  The rapist was wearing a signet ring.  Does Tony 
have a ring like that?
A:  Yes he does.
 
Q:  Will there be a DNA test to see if it was him?
A:  Yes, it takes 6-8 weeks and a court order though.
 
Q:  Was he drugged up?  Why the glassed over  eyes?
A:  He appeared to be drugged.  We took blood - 
results soon.
 
Q:  What developments with Pierce?  He's in jail.
A:  Yes, Pierce is in jail.  But his part in all this 
is far from over.  I can't predict the future, but 
Armstrong has a
gut feeling on this. I agree.
 
Q:  Has everyone at Proud Larry's been questioned 
about Rory, and asked about Jake,  too?
A:  Rory doesn't exist.  Although, some Ego Shovels 
are trying to create him as a myth.  We talked to the 
Larry's crew.  I hope to post some of those 
interviews.  Its quite a den of sin.  We cruise 
through several times a night keeping an eye.
 
Q:  Does Tony have alibis for those other dates?
A:  Not yet.
 
Q:  Has Tony's home been searched?
A:  Yes, found pot.
 
Q:  Do you think that this has to do with Ego again?
A:  He could be a part of all that.  He's the right 
age, and into the drug culture.
 
Q:  Can you get a more current list of Ego Shovel  
members?
A:  I can get the list update--we have a full one now.
 
Q:  Were any hair or fibers found on the victim?
A:  Yes, all sent off to lab.
 
Q:  Has Pierce talked?
A:  He's not talking to us.  Lawyers and agents.
 
Q:  Are you absolutely sure there is no Rory?
A:  Positive. The Pierces had two children.  (Note 
that Ed was adopted.)
 
Q:  Are you going to track down Jake again?  He 
matches physical condition, and rape profile.
A:  Jake is minding his own business, to continue may 
be religious persecution, no cause.
 
Q:  Well, has Anderson been completely ruled out as a 
suspect?
A:  Yes.  Anderson suffered a disgrace but is not a 
suspect.
 
Q:  The victim said he (Tony) smelled like beer - did 
Tony  have an ETOH level?
A:  He was drunk.
 
Q:  How drunk was Tony?
A:  .18 blood alcohol, legally drunk
 
Q:  Does anything match with the other victims?
A:  Yes--the perp entered through unsecured entrances.
 
Q:  How was access to the other victims gained?
A:  Through unlocked entryways, doors and window.
 
Q:  Were entrances unsecured or was he let in 
unquestioned?
A:  He was let in unquestioned.  A locked door opened 
for him and allowed to enter.
 
Q:  Do we know who opened the door?
A:  Yes, we do.  Officer Marsden with campus security.
 
Q:  Weren't the dorms/women warned about these other 
cases?
A:  They are being warned now.
 
Q:  Why did it take so long to become alarmed?
A:  That's a problem.  An investigation is underway.  
That is a campus security issue.
 
Q:  Were there witnesses to the other cases?
A:  Only the victims can ID the perp no other 
witnesses.
 
Q:  Did Officer Marsden know the suspect well ?
A:  Yes.
 
Q:  So he (Marsden) would know if he (Phelps) was 
capable of the anger to rape?
A:  Marsden, didn't think his "buddy" did it.
 
Q:  Does Tony have any prior arrests?
A:  None.  (Note:  he does have the robbery incidents 
with his father's store that were not proved.)
 
Q:  Were there any people at the bar that could advise 
on Tony's actions?
A:  You mean describe him or ID him?  Yes.
 
Q:  Were there any security cameras in the dorms?
A:  Yes.  Will they let you see it?  If I have my way.
 
Monday, September 22, 1997
Guest:  Brief Q & A with Elizabeth Jones and Mickey 
Nelson (Mayor's Office)
Sheriff Lamar rescheduled to Tuesday, September 23 due 
to technical system difficulties
 
Q:  Regarding the accident:  is there a chance it was 
planned in order to bring about this escape?
A:  We don't know yet, but so far it seems to be an 
unfortunate accident.  The vehicle is in the County 
garage and is being examined thoroughly for mechanical 
failure or foul play.  There were no witnesses to the 
accident.  Deputy Phillips may or may not be able to 
shed some light.  He is still in a coma at Baptist 
Memorial Hospital.
 
Q:  Were there any wounds on the officers doing the 
transporting that were inconsistent with an auto 
accident?
A:  No.  The drivers side of the van was hardest hit 
and most damaged.  Deputy Schiff died on impact.
 
Q:  Why weren't the convicts hurt or were they?
A:  They likely were.  Blood was also found in the 
back of the van.  We do not know how seriously one or 
both might be at this time.  So far there are no 
reports of anyone seeking medical assistance in the 
state for potential injuries.
 
Q:  Were they (prisoners) in back vs front seats?
A:  The vehicle was a police transport van.  The 
prisoners were in the back.  The impact of the crash 
caused a break between the front cab and the van on 
the drivers side.  This is how Pierce and Phelps were 
able to reach through the back to the front to get 
Deputy Schiff's gun belt and shirt. On the weapons.  
Both Deputies would have had one but only Deputy 
Schiff's was taken as Phillips could not be reached 
through the van / cab breach.  It is a .357 magnum 
handgun.
 
Q:  Was Schiff driving?
A:  Deputy Schiff was driving and he was killed.  The 
drivers side is what sustained the impact into the 
railroad bridge.  Likely killed on impact.
 
Q:  How would prisoners get his shirt during crash?
A:  See above.  The cab and van were split open, 
twisted in the roll that allowed reaching Deputy 
Schiff but not Phillips.
 
Q:  How were the cuffs removed?
A:  The keys were obtained from the deputy -- they got 
them with the rest of the things they took from Deputy 
Schiff.  (Note: they were cuffed hands front for 
safety in the van.)
 
Q:  Cuffs were found where, again?
A:  In the back of the van.
 
Q:  Were cuffs fingerprinted in case an accomplice 
staged accident?
A:  No unidentified prints were found on the cuffs  
Additionally, there would not have been time for an 
accomplice to help do this.
 
Q:  Does Anthony Phelps only have his biological 
father?
A:  Phelps father and stepfather are both living in 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
 
Q:  Isn't his mother dead?  So his parents were 
divorced and mother remarried?
A:  His mother committed suicide.  The mother 
remarried right after her divorce from his father.  
She had had an affair with her new husband before that 
divorce.
 
Q:  Where was Anderson during all this?
A:  He's on his own, not on the force, working with 
Detective Armstrong on the PI firm.  No reason to 
suspect any involvement.
 
Q:  Did the two perps know each other from that bar 
(Proud Larry's) they both frequented?  It seems they 
both might have known Victoria ...and Purity Knight 
from the bar.
A:  They may have.  Both Phelps and Pierce have likely 
been there at the same time.  No one from Proud 
Larry's is aware of the two associating with each 
other.  Both would have known Victoria.
 
Q:  Did the barmaid (Victoria) ID Tony by any other 
name?
A:  No, only Tony and Anthony.
 
Q:  What does Victoria know about "Rory" myth?
A:  She was to be interviewed yesterday and did not 
show up.  She is rescheduled.  Earlier interviews at 
Proud Larry's show no one knew Rory.
 
Q:  Wouldn't the shirt from the car accident be 
bloody?
A:  Yes.  It likely did have blood on it.  Pierce was 
in a white T-shirt and Phelps in orange - both stand 
out.  Don't know why they took shirt, could have 
washed it out someplace, we don't know.
 
Q:  What size was the shirt ?
A:  I'd say large - extra large, Deputy Schiff was a 
big guy.  But either could have put it on even if not 
a perfect fit.  Our witness was not close enough to 
make those kind of distinctions.
 
Q:  Why would escaped convicts abduct Macy?
A:  We don't know.  If she were recognized as the 
Sheriff's daughter.......  Perhaps as a hostage to 
escape......  unknown at this time.
 
Q:  The witness was sure there were only two guys, no 
female?
A:  That is our current information.  No one has been 
able to place Macy after she left the record store.
 
Q:  Did music store clerk notice Macy talking to 
anyone
A:  No.
 
Q:  How far is the mall from the railroad bridge?
A:  It is within walking distance.  About a mile.
 
Tuesday, September 23, 1997
Guest:  Sheriff Charles Lamar
 
Opening remarks:
 
"I'd like to tell you a bit about Macy.  She was 
always a very bright girl and independent.  In school, 
she once disagreed with a teacher, we had a long talk.  
She wanted to disobey and break the "laws" of the 
school.  What should she do? she asked.  She was 
worried about hurting my image, also, about the effect 
of this violation.  She made a considered decision and 
staged a protest outside the school - got almost all 
the students in a peaceful demonstration and the 
principal listened to her--she won.  The reasons of 
the dispute were silly.  It was how she resolved it 
that made me proud.  Smart girl.  No nonsense.  I just 
wanted you to know a bit about her."
 
Question & Answer session:
(Note:  Elizabeth Jones answered a number of questions 
in the Sheriff's absence)
 
Q:  What about Macy's boyfriend?
A:  Do you suspect a high school boy?  No, her 
boyfriend  was attending a college preview this 
weekend at Duke with his parents.  It's not a serious 
relationship.
 
Q:  What where the events leading up to the escape of 
the prisoners?
A:  The events leading up to the escape are as follow: 
first the prisoners were both being transferred from 
one holding facility to another, a round of 
questioning was planned for Anthony Phelps, the 
transfer of holding locations would have been 
permanent.
 
Q:  When did Macy last see her Aunt?  And, when did 
the Sheriff and his wife separate?
A:  Macy normally sees her aunt, and I think you are 
referring to Jeannie, a tad of background on Jeannie.  
Jeannie is the Sheriff's younger sister, she and her 
family live on the farm with the Sheriff's parents and 
run it.  The farm is located about 7 miles or so 
outside of Oxford.  Jeannie was born on the same day 
of the week and day as Macy - April 6 on a Sunday and 
that is part of the bond between them.  Macy's middle 
name Lynn is from Jeannie's name also, she is Jeannie 
Lynn.  Because Jeannie is so close, Macy spends quite 
a bit of time at the farm with the grandparents and 
with Jeannie and her cousins.  The information I have 
on the last visit was the weekend prior to
her disappearance. The separation occurred in June of 
1997 the court papers filed on July 8.
 
Q:  Could the accident have been caused to allow the 
escape?
A:  That is one of the very important questions 
currently under investigation.  The vehicle is 
impounded at the County garage under seal and is being 
gone over thoroughly for any forensic evidence, any 
evidence of tampering or mechanical failure.  Due to 
the death and serious injury of fellow officers in 
this accident you can be assured that those results 
will be forthcoming asap.  	Additionally, we have no 
direct eyewitnesses to the initial accident itself, 
therefore we do not know precisely what occurred 
there.  We are very hopeful that Deputy Phillips will 
be in a position to tell us more on that.  We have 
nothing to suggest at this time, that there were any 
plots or plans on the part of either Pierce or Phelps 
to effect an escape - no evidence that they themselves 
could have been responsible for the accident, however, 
do keep in mind that the FBI office here in MS has 
deemed Pierce MS's most wanted.
 
Q:  Were Ed and Anthony P. strapped in to the van and 
driver not or something?  I thought if anything Ed & 
AP would have died or been hurt at least.
Q:  Let me attempt to describe the vehicle and the 
accident as we know it.  That may help here.  The 
vehicle is a transport van with a cab and attached but 
separate back van compartment.  The prisoners were 
front handcuffed and leg cuffed in the back, yes they 
must be strapped in with a seat belt.  As best we can 
determine they were both sitting on the driver's side 
of the van compartment, Mr. Phelps directly behind the 
driver.  The accident occurred under a railroad bridge 
where the driver's side of the vehicle hit an abutment 
and flew from there up over the embankment.  The front 
driver's side of the vehicle suffered the majority 
impact and the worst of the accident..  Deputy Schiff 
was likely dead on that impact.  The vehicle rolled on 
it's side and slid.  This would mean that the 
passengers - the prisoners - would have been on the 
side of the van against the ground in the slide.  We 
believe they must have suffered injuries also.  Blood 
was found in both compartments, however, clearly the 
injuries were not sufficient to prevent their escape.
 
Q:  Any contact i.e. ransom demands? Threats, etc.
A:  No contact so far, no.
 
Q:  Someone asked where Macy was last seen.  We know 
she was in the record store and made a purchase.  From 
there, we have no witnesses to her whereabouts.
 
Q:  Were both deputies in the front cab?
A:  Yes both were in the front.
 
Q:  Who authorized the prisoners' transfer, and why?
A:  The transfer was necessary and ordinary and would 
have occurred anyway.  The initial holding facility is 
smaller and normally used at the present time due to 
construction for temporary holding.  Both of these men 
are considered violent felon offenders and the old 
jail has better holding facilities at this time.
 
Q:  How's the sheriff doing in the poles, now?
A:  Very poorly I'm afraid.
 
Q:  No sympathy vote?
A:  No.
 
Q:  What did the eyewitness who saw the car being 
stolen say about the condition of the uniform worn?  
Did he notice it torn or bloody?
A:  He was not close enough to tell that.  I will 
answer a few of those related questions in one with 
this.  We do feel that Deputy Stiff's shirt likely was 
bloody and likely also were the prisoners clothing.  
The only thing that makes sense here is if one or the 
other of the prisoners was so bloody, we think perhaps 
Pierce who was wearing white, the most likely of the 
two, to have taken the shirt for that reason.  We 
don't know.  It is possible I suppose for them to have 
washed it out, there are a number of streams not to 
mention any number of gas stations with outdoor
entrance toilets where they may have done so.  The 
witness could not tell.
 
Q:  Have you checked with any gas stations to see if 
they have any blood in them or traces of blood?
A:  Yes, gas stations and related establishments are 
being canvassed, nothing yet.
 
Q:  Who are major contributors for Lamar, Mazza, Ivy?
A:  Contributors lists are being checked, as are known 
associates.  It has not been ruled out that this might 
be election related, but that is not considered a high 
likelihood at the present time.
 
Q:  Have there been any sightings of Pierce or Phelps?
A:  No sightings of Pierce or Phelps yet, no 
indications that they have sought medical attention so 
far in the state of MS.
 
Q:  Have any of Macy's friends been questioned? Maybe 
she had another boy she was seeing who parents didn't 
know ?
A:  Yes, we know that at this age it is likely that a 
young lady will confide in friends first.  Her friends 
are being questioned.  No one has any information or 
knowledge related to her disappearance so far, 
however, we are gleaning more information on her life 
and thoughts we will share what we can from those 
interviews with you.
 
Q:  Is it known what the Sheriff's approval rating was 
by individuals in the department?
A:  Within the Department the Sheriff is well liked, 
there have been no suggestions of vote of lack of 
confidence in his 12 years in office so far.
 
Q:  Has the second guard regained consciousness?
A:  Deputy Phillips remains in intensive care in a 
coma at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, we hope 
that he will make a full recovery, we hope he will 
have information for us.
 
Q:  Were Ed and Tony in same cell prior to transport?
A:  No Pierce and Phelps were in separate areas of the 
jail.
 
Q:  Did Ed and Tony know each other prior to this?
A:  It is possible that they did know each other.  
They both frequented Proud Larry's, we know from 
interviews they were there at the same time over the 
past few years.  However, no one recalls ever seeing 
them together in the same
crowd.  We do know they both know Victoria.
 
Q:  Has anyone been keeping an eye on the PK burial 
site? Returning to the scene of the crime, that sort 
of thing?
A: Yes, it is being watched.  There is a surveillance 
team.. Nothing there.
 
Q:  Has Victoria been asked to ID (Phelps) by photo?  
If so, what name did she know him by?
A: Yes.  She knows him as "Tony".
 
Q:  Were they in same university at same time?
A:  Yes, they were last year, however, Tony was an 
underclassman and Ed a upper - no classes in common.
 
Q:  Anything missing from Macy's room?
A: According to her mother nothing so far. However, 
Caroline Blanchard, (Lamar) will be here tomorrow 
night and perhaps she will have more to say.
 
Q:  Notice how many specialize in computers? Macy was 
super intelligent, could she have picked up on 
something in Computer Lab?
A: Yes.  I rather doubt that, though it is possible 
and worth more of a look.  I'll check on the efforts 
there.  Macy is a senior at Lafayette High School, the 
computer classes she was taking are primarily 
programming classes.  However, there is internet 
access.
 
Q:  Did Macy know any of the victims?
A: No.  To the best of our knowledge Macy did not know 
either however, Square Books is right across the 
street from Proud Larry's.
 
Q:  Did Macy ever help her Dad in investigations?
A:  Now, that is something that both Caroline and 
Sheriff Lamar have gone out of their way to keep Macy 
separated from.  I doubt she knew more than was in the 
local paper about the cases.
 
Q:  Did Macy visit either Pierce or Phelps in jail?
A:  No.
 
Q:  How big is the YCSD and is Oxford PD a separate 
dept. or a synonym?
A:  Oxford PD is separate.  The YCSD has the primary 
responsibility for law enforcement and the only lab 
for the county.  YCSD does most of the highway patrol 
in the CO. also.
 
Q:  All members are sworn and checked?
A:  Yes.  Even our dispatch team is sworn, though they 
are not authorized for weapons.  We do have a number 
of volunteers who are occasionally called in for 
search teams and auxiliary duty who are not sworn.
 
Q:  Corruption, graft...?
A:  Yes there are some investigations, particularly 
relating to some illegal gambling and numbers ops that 
crop up from time to time.  Nothing that I can think 
of that would relate here though.
 
Q:  At Proud Larry's?
A: No, Proud Larry's has not been implicated in any of 
the numbers schemes I am aware of.
 
Q:  I presume Anderson is aware of Ed's escape and 
taking precautions?
A: I have not spoken to Det. Anderson, however, I know 
he has been informed, as have all local residents, and 
I would assume he is very capable of handling the 
situation.
 
Q:  Is the investigation of the disappearance of Macy 
and the escape and apparent disappearance of Ed and 
Tony handled as one case?
A:  No, not one case for the department.  In essence 
three separate cases, however we do believe, of 
course, they are related at this time.  All resources 
are being focused heavily on these cases.
 
Q:  Have they checked the place where Ed rented 
outside the town?
A: Yes.  It is still closed by the county.
 
Q:  And Cooters Farm?
A:  Right now Beverly Cooter is living at the Cooter's 
Estate.  Far as I know it's been shunned by the 
Shovels lately. Good question on Cooter's.  I will 
check that out.
 
Q:  Where are the Shovels digging in, now?
A:.Two of the brothers in the band have a house where 
they are practicing etc. and it is kept under rather 
close eye.
 
Q:  Are the FBI/Marshalls going to be involved since 
this is a fugitive/kidnapping, and if so are they 
going to share info?
A:  Yes, the FBI.  They have been asked for assistance 
and the state field office is coordinating with the 
child abduction unit.  We sure hope it's going to be a 
mutually cooperative investigation at this point since 
there is no proof of an interstate kidnap the FBI 
involvement is by request.
 
Q:  Any K-9 searches?
A:  Yes, a search team with the K-9 unit searching the 
areas in a outsweeping 5 mile radius from the crash
site.
 
Q:  Contact with families?
A:  We have been in contact with all family members 
and known associates - nothing there as yet.
 
Wednesday, September 24, 1997
Guest:  Caroline Blanchard
 
Opening Remarks:
 
"I appreciate that more than you can know.  Thank you 
for having me here, EJ.  The loss of my daughter has 
been an experience that no family should have to go 
through.  I would like to extend my most heartfelt 
gratitude to all those who have sent messages and 
extended their condolences toward me.  If I may, I'd 
like to take this opportunity
to ask everyone to please come forward if they have 
any information on what has happened to my Macy. I 
just want her home.  I will take questions now, if 
you'd like."
 
Question & Answer session:
 
Q:  I am so sorry to hear about Macy, have you 
received a ransom demand?
A:  No.
 
Q:  This is a sensitive area, but is Macy your natural 
daughter?
A:  Of course, she is my natural daughter.
 
Q:  Have you been given a lie detector test?
A:  No, why would I?
 
Q:  Ms Blanchard, are any of Macy's belongings 
missing?
A:  No, only what she had on her.
 
Q:  I regret the personal question, but what is the 
cause of the divorce?  I mean separation.
A:  Yes, that is a personal question.  It was a mutual 
decision between me and my husband.
 
Q:  Uh, sorry to sound so cold - but, in most cases 
parents are eliminated via lie detector, first.
A:  Yes that is true  Lie detector tests are rarely 
used in the Sheriff's dept but Caroline has been 
interviewed extensively.
 
Q:  Caroline I am sure you understand the point here.
A:  Yes, I do, but the thought that anyone might think 
that I had a hand in this bothers me terribly.  She is 
my baby.
 
Q:  Do you have any idea how much money Macy had on 
her? any credit cards?
A:  Macy's purse was found in a trash can at the mall.  
She never carried much money on her.  But the purse 
was empty.
 
Q:  In your interview you said you were seeing 
someone, but it didn't make a difference. How can you 
be sure?
A:  I did not say that.  I am not seeing anyone.  I 
felt the question was very personal.
 
Q:  Personal or not, your daughter's life may depend 
on your full disclosure.
Q:  Caroline would you care to address that?
A:  Yes, please.  I have answered fully every question 
that has been asked of me by the police.  I would do 
anything to have my baby back.  I miss Macy terribly.
 
Q:  What other belongings of Macy's were found at the 
Mall and were they found inside or outside of the 
mall?
A:  There was a back with a CD in it that they think 
belongs to Macy.  I'm sorry.  bag.  I'm a little 
shaken.
 
Q:  Was the backpack found inside or outside of the 
Mall?
A:  It was a bag.  I'm afraid that in my agitated 
state my typing was not very good.  The bag was also 
in the trash can.  It was just outside the mall 
entrance.
 
Q:  Have they interviewed her friend Tom?
A:  I am not certain if Tom has been interviewed yet 
or not.
 
Q:  Has there been any contact from the kidnappers?
A:  No.  If anyone one knows anything please come 
forward.
 
Q:  Sorry to keep asking about $, trying to determine 
motive for abduction.  Did Macy have any jewelry worth 
pawning?  With her, that is...
A:  She had a gold and diamond cross that we gave her 
for her sweet sixteen birthday.  She loves that 
necklace.
 
Q:  Did Macy have the keys to your car?
A:  Not her own set.  She is allowed to use my car, 
but she always borrows my keys.
 
Q:  Did Macy have your keys?
A:  No she didn't.
 
Q:  Were any of her close friends interviewed?
A:  Yes her friends are being interviewed.  Caroline, 
as far as I know we haven't learned anything there 
yet, is that right?
A:  As far as I know.  Chuck has not said anything and 
I'm sure he would tell me.
 
Q:  Any leads as to where they might have taken her?
A:  So far we don't have any.
 
Q:  Has her photo been distributed and shown on TV? 
How about NCIC and the NCMEC?  (National Center for 
Missing and Exploited Children)
A:  Yes.  The ncmec has been notified.  There are 
fliers and posters everywhere that I can put them.
 
Q:  Do we know for sure she was abducted?
A:  She is missing.  The circumstances do point to 
foul play, however, we have no proof of an abduction 
at this point.  It appears that way.
 
Q:  Can you tell us more about the summer in 
Huntsville, who did she stay with?
A:  She stayed at the Space Camp dormitory.  That is 
probably the thing that she is most proud of.  She 
values that experience more than anything.
 
Q:  Ms Blanchard, what type of music does Macy like?  
Any Particular band?
A:  She seems to like everything.  The CD was Sheryl 
Crow.  She has very eclectic tastes.
 
Q:  Why do the think the bag with the CD was Macy's? 
Were her fingerprints on it?
A:  Because it was a brand new CD in the trash can 
with her purse.  The receipt had my credit card number 
on it.  And she told me she wanted the new Sheryl Crow 
CD.
 
Q:  Do you know if Macy knew of Ego Shovel?  ....as a 
band...not necessarily as a cult....
A:  I don't know.  I've just been told about that 
cult.  I was unfamiliar with it.
 
Q:  Any recent prank/strange phone calls or letters?
A:  No.  At least if I had that there would be a lead.
 
Q:  Is there any evidence that she was "forced" to 
leave the mall?
A:  Not that I've been told, but I know that my baby 
would never run away like this.
 
Q:  Have any other charges been made to your credit 
card since Macy's abduction?
A:  No other charges have been made.
 
Q:  Has your phone been tapped in the hopes you might 
get a call?
A:  There is a tracer on my telephone just in case.  I 
wish that I could talk to her.  To know she's okay.
 
Q:  You made a comment that your husband would not 
tell you things.  Is it because he is a police officer 
or the separation?
A:  I'm sorry.  You misunderstood me.  I said my 
husband would tell me.  He wants her back as much as I 
do.  My husband knows that I want to know everything 
that I can that might get Macy back to us safely.
 
Thursday, September 25, 1997
Guest:  John Albee, Oxford Mall and Detective Terry 
Nelson
 
Opening Remarks:
 
"I'm single, in my 30s and I work with Public 
Relations and Mall Management.  I like photography.  
But, lets not talk about me.  I can confirm much of 
what you know that happened at the mall.  I'm not an 
officer so keep that in mind.  Maybe I should start 
with Mac at the Sound Shop.  That's where she was 
"lost".  She did go to the store, and she purchased a 
Crowe CD.  The employee confirmed the sighting.  The 
one real problem came after that.  We have a single 
officer who spends time patrolling the lot and the 
premises.  Maintenance people supplement the staff.  
We have an in store video system but its maintenance 
and staffing was discontinued.  Only one camera is in 
operation.  She was not seen on it.  We don't have any 
parking lot video just the mall truck.  So, that's 
about it. I can answer questions."
 
Question & Answer session with Mr. Albee:
 
Q:  How many times in the past have you observed Marcy 
in the mall?
A:  I've never seen her.
 
Q:  Where is the one camera working located?
A:  The office entrance and main entrance are 
monitored.  Addendum (2 main entrances) are monitored.
 
Q:  Did the men seem disheveled or wounded? What was 
the time?
A:  They didn't seem disheveled.  I just recognized 
the deputy shirt and ignored it.  About 5:30 p.m.
 
Q:  Now that Oxford is fraught with crime, why is 
video still out?
A:  We'll be spending money on the video.  It's been 
bad Public Relations with Christmas coming.  It's just 
in time.
 
Q:  Was she seen in the store alone or talking with 
anyone?
A:  The Sound City boy didn't see anyone with her - 
she came and went alone.
 
Q:  What time was the CD purchase made? Can video be 
made available?
A:  No video.  Purchase would have been between 5:00 & 
5:30 p.m.
 
Q:  What is the mall's vicinity to campus?
A:  We're across Jackson Avenue from the campus.
 
Q:  In the city is the store Hairworks near the Mall 
or in the Mall?  Also, is Jackson Avenue close how 
close?
A:  What address are you asking about, Hairworks--in 
mall? I think they have two.  The Hairworks accident 
scene...Oh, that's about a mile down the road on 
Jackson.  Its closer to the jail and square.
 
Q:  Who discovered purse and bag with CD?
A:  The police found them.
 
Q:  Who sold the CD to Marcy?
A:  He's underage.  I know his name, he doesn't want 
it used--or his mother doesn't.
 
Q:  What caused you to see the stolen car?  Was the 
car ever found ?
A:  Perhaps the Sheriff would know these more, I don't 
know if the car was found.
 
A:  No, it has not been found yet.  No sitings either 
I'm afraid.
 
Q:  What time did you punch out?
A:  5:00 p.m. then had a slice of pizza.
 
Q:  Can you Positively ID either of the suspects as 
the men you saw?
A:  No, I can't.  Not positively.  It's not that it 
couldn't be them though.  Now that they've been on TV, 
I'm even more sure.
 
Question & Answer session with Detective Nelson:
 
Q:  How close to the stolen car was the purse found?
A:  It was found near the mall exit by where the car 
was stolen.
 
Q:  Was the exit with the camera was where Macy was to 
meet her mom?
A:  She didn't show up on that video.
 
Q:  Can you address the identification question 
further?
A:  The subject made a possible ID.  Since we only had 
photos and he'd seen them in the paper, it's rough - 
not 100%.
 
Q:  Who assigned the deputies to the van and who saw 
Ed or Anthony in detention?
A:  Officer Steele assigns duty.  Who saw them in 
detention? The staff and the lawyers.
 
Q:  Was anything found around the area of the stolen 
car?
A:  We found a footprint.
 
Q:  Any identification on it?
A:  No.  May not even be related, but its there.
 
Q:  What size was the shoe print/ what type of shoe?
A:  Its a birkenstock, size 11.
 
Q:  Who was owner of stolen car and was the car 
locked?
A:  The car was said to be locked but there was no 
sign of forced entry.  Likely they said that for 
insurance purposes.  Hot-wiring those models is easy.
 
Q:  Sorry Sir, but you didn't ID the owner of car..Did 
I miss that?
A:  Sorry, George Keel.
 
Q:  Has the house Ed Pierce rented in the country been 
searched?
A:  Oh yes, and the yard.  Nothing spectacular: rope, 
camera, magazines: bondage.  We really wanted to get 
those journals.
 
Q:  I mean has it been searched since the breakout?
A:  We have the shack under watch.  I've spent time 
there - yes, searched.
 
Q:  Who is paying for lawyers for Ed, Anthony and can 
you list the staff who saw them?
A:  They both have public defenders.  We have a staff 
of 20 in the office, all of them saw them through 
several phases.
 
Q:  Did Macy's purse looked scattered or dropped?  How 
far from the CD?
A:  It was dropped, not scattered. Both were in a 
trash container.
 
Q:  Was everything in her purse?
A:  Yes - just the wallet missing.
 
Q:  Could the car have been provided for them by 
someone not hot-wired?
A:  No - car was not provided.  No thought of an 
accomplice there.
 
Q:  How far from the exit were her items found?
A:  How far?  About 50 feet, in a side area for trash.
 
Q:  Did the rape victim (Shawna) know Macy?  Any 
fingerprints on the purse?
A:  Not that we know.  No liftable prints other than 
Macy's.
 
Q:  Do I understand this right...since the escape, 
there have been no sightings of the fugitives?
A:  That's right, so far no sitings at all, not even 
of the car.
 
Q:  Wouldn't that indicate the car is probably garaged 
somewhere?  Five days... they could be anywhere on the 
East coast or halfway across the country...
A:  Either garaged or tags switched and out of state, 
ditched, don't know yet.
 
Q:  They have to be getting money from somewhere.  
These guys have a gun, any robberies recently?
A:  No robberies that match, we are almost waiting for 
one, alert to that possibility.
 
Q:  Have Pawn shops/jewelry stores been alerted to 
watch for Macy's cross necklace?
A:  Yes.  Also watching for the gun.
 
Q:  How far away is nearest relative of either?
A:  Phelps' family in Baton Rouge is closest.  None of 
the relatives have thus far had any contact.
 
Q:  Do they own any other houses for vacation uses?
A:  No, not that we have traced.
 
Q:  Have there been other car thefts in the area or 
surrounding towns?
A:  Yes, but none that tie in.
 
Q:  How can you tell if it ties in?
A:  No print matches, no witness ID's -- cars we know 
of have been located -- joy riders mostly.
 
Q: Did they know each other -- Ed and Anthony?
A:  Both frequented Proud Larry's, but all reports say 
that they were not associating with each other, 
different crowds.
 
Q:  Have dorm laundry rooms been checked for prison 
garb?
A:  Due to the transport, which was a permanent 
relocation, they were both wearing street clothes, not 
prison issue.  Yes, they were in jeans, Pierce had a 
white T-shirt, Phelps's jacket was in the van.
 
Q:  How far was it from where they escaped to the 
mall?
A:  It's a tad over a mile from the crash site to the 
mall.
 
Q:  Deputy Schiff was driving.  Could he have been 
involved in a cover up?
A:  Unlikely.  He is a fifteen year veteran of the 
force and would have nothing to gain.
 
Q:  Could this be a sympathy vote prank for the 
sheriff?
A:  I don't think there is any thought of that.  I 
suspect that is being investigated heavily.  I'm not 
really sure how this would be a sympathy vote prank.  
It sure makes the Sheriff look bad, bad press all 
around right now.
 
Q:  I thought the sheriff was an elected official...is 
he?
A:  Yes.  He is up for re-election this November.
 
Q:  Unless he makes a daring dramatic rescue just 
before election.
A:  Yes that is a point, but how awful a thought.
 
Q:  Who is backing Sheriff financially?  Who is 
backing Mazza financially?
A:  Mazza, we know the republican party of course, and 
Representative Ivy is heavily involved there.  
Campaign contributors are being investigated.
 
Q:  Seems odd...the mother is so sure that she didn't 
run away.....she might have gotten into a car with the 
deputy though......
 
Q:  Where did Macy hang out?
A:  Macy really didn't hang out much anyplace, she was 
very busy with school, athletics and worked the 
weekends.
 
Q:  So she hung out at the track?
A:  The school track, yes after school.
 
Q:  Did either frequent the book store she worked at?
A:  I'd be fairly sure they were in there - it is just 
across the street from Proud Larry's.  There is 
nothing to indicate any particular occurrence between 
any of them though, the owner and other employees at 
Square Books don't recollect anything like that.  She 
didn't work past 6:00 p.m. either, so the bar crowd 
wouldn't necessarily be milling about then.
 
Q:  Was Macy working when Dave Anderson met at Square 
Books with Purity?
A:  I don't think so.  I believe she began this summer 
at Square Books.
 
Q:  She had to have some friends.  Her mother 
mentioned a new boyfriend or something like 
that....someone has to have seen her after she left 
her mother?
A:  Sure, Macy has lots of friends.  Her boyfriend has 
been interviewed and so have many of her friends, I 
think we will have her best friend in chat.  No one 
was at the Mall and saw her though.
 
Q:  How is Detective Anderson?
A:  Detective Anderson is doing very well.  He's been 
released.  He's still not moving around much though as 
I understand it.
 
Friday, September 26, 1997
Guest:  Detective Terry Nelson and Yoknapatawpha 
County Mayor Rankin
 
Opening Remarks:
 
Yoknapawtapha County Mayor Rankin:
 
"Hello all.  How is everyone tonight?  Thank you.  
Well, I'll probably be typing slow tonight.  I hurt my 
finger in target practice last night.  First of all, I 
would like to announce our new Tip Line which is 
sponsored by my office.  If you have any comments or 
leads that can help the case, send it there.  It's on 
the order of Crime Stoppers and will probably be of 
much help because I know you people have been of great 
help in the past.  Secondly, I just want to talk about 
our law enforcement in town.  We have been getting a 
sort of bad reputation lately.  Some people are saying 
that we are not doing that great of a job.  That's 
only some people though, the rest are saying we are 
doing a great job.  Even though we had a recent 
escape, crime in our county is extremely low.  I am 
proud to be a part of Yoknapatawpha County and I am 
even more proud of our law enforcement.  Our police 
force, detectives, and prosecutors do a great job.  
They deserve a lot of respect and I for one will do 
whatever I can to make sure that they get that 
respect.  Sure, we have had some problems but we admit 
them.  We don't try to cover things up.  We try to 
look at our mistakes and never repeat them again.  How 
do you all think of the way our force is handling the 
situations that arise?"
 
(The comments were primarily along these lines:  I 
think your doing the best that you can....the only way 
you can - one step at a time....we'll see...I don't 
think we have enough info to really judge your 
performance....)
 
"Thanks.  We really do try our hardest.  Specifically 
though, I have to say a word about Sheriff Lamar.  He 
has undergone a serious misfortune lately.  Despite 
this, he still is doing a top notch job.  I think we 
all should keep him and his family in our prayers as 
they try to cope with the kidnapping.  Sheriff Lamar 
is a good man and I can't understand the people who 
would hurt his family like this.
 
I have a Council meeting to run to.  The mayor's 
office never closes.  Good night all. Let's work hard 
on this case."
 
Detective Nelson:	Thanks mayor! <applause>
 
Question & Answer session with Detective Nelson:
 
Q:  Why were the two prisoners being transported 
together?
A:  We were short handed.  A lot of officers were at 
the rebel game-crowd control.
 
Q:  Who were officers driving transport van, and since 
shorthanded, were they unaccustomed to such duty?
A:  The officers were trained and able to do those 
jobs, Deputies Schiff and Phillips.
 
Q:  What time period was the rebel game?
A:  The game was in the evening--but the crowd of 
20,000 gets here on Friday so were all busy until 
Sunday, and the drunk tank doesn't release till 
Monday.  So its a long weekend.
 
Q:  When is mayor up for re-election?
A:  Next year ---next term - 1998.
 
Q:  Is it true Ms. Tull and D were abducted?
A:  No, that's an unfortunate error.
 
Q:  Good I thought I was seeing things at first!
A:  Funny, it started as an AOL typo...but I've heard 
about it on the streets now.  They are safe, I just 
spoke with them not long ago.  We've had a hard time 
removing that text, too, eh EJ? We'll have to post 
that on the site!
 
EJ:  Whew!  You can say that again, sir.
 
Q:  What is being done to make sure the prisoners are 
transported more securely?
A:  Good question.  The department is undergoing 
review.  I think we'll look at improving vehicles and 
adding a support car to trail.  All in all, the 
departmental review will likely make some suggestions 
in personnel.  A second car would have been enough.  
Budget cuts you know.
 
Q:  Any leads on the escapees?  Any more family 
interviewed?  We all feel bad for the Lamar family, 
but is anyone investigating a political motive angle 
to Macy's kidnapping?
A:  Yes, that is being looked into but his opponent 
really has little to gain and a lot to lose.
 
Q:  What about Lamar?
A:  Wait a minute, you can't suggest that Lamar would 
kidnap his own for political gain?  He may seem sleazy 
or like a politician but he's a darn good father, and 
moral.
 
Q:  It has been suggested, and from a purely objective 
standpoint, we can't fault examining that line of 
thought.
A:  It's the Jon Benet and Susan Smith cases that make 
folk jump to those conclusions.
 
Q:  Have you gotten the autopsy result for the 
deceased officer?
A:  Yes, we'll be posting it.
 
Q:  Anything interesting?  Other than trauma from a 
car wreck? No alcohol?
A:  No signs of any injuries other than from the 
accident. No alcohol.
 
Q:  Have you seem the surveillance cameras from the 
mall?  Do they show Macy or the fugitives?
A:  The only video did not show her.
 
Q:  Are the investigations of the escape and the 
kidnapping being handled separately?  Who is in charge 
of each?
A:  We have an internal investigation looking at the 
escape, but, I am overseeing both escape and 
kidnapping.
 
Q:  How were you selected to head this case, sir?
A:  I worked here for 14 years.  Learned from the big 
guy, Armstrong, that's enough for most.
 
Q:  What kind of competition do  Mazza and Lamar have 
with each other?
A:  Excellent question.  The locals here can fill you 
in on details.  I don't want to get quoted - but - 
they feel no friendship to each other.  Accusations -
most toward the Sheriff -but they go both ways.  What 
I've heard are things like....soft on crime, shady 
business dealings, penny pinching and good ole boy 
stuff...Is what I heard.
 
Q:  How are the other rape victims?  Anything new from 
that front?
A:  The victims are doing well.  We are trying to tie 
Phelps to the other crimes, and most compelling, the 
rapes have stopped with his arrest.  I'll pass your 
concern on.  Nice to ask about the victims
 
Q:  Are you investigating both parents more? More 
about their personnel activities etc.?
A:  We have talked to dozens of associated persons.  
The mall workers at each store, and yes, her mother 
and father.
 
Q:  The mother's answers were vague regarding friends 
of hers that might know something.
A:  Yes--we always follow up.  Ahh....the idea of her 
seeing someone else.  She isn't according to her 
statements--we'll find the boyfriend-if he exists.
 
Q:  I just wondered if the van had been tampered with?
A:  No tampering or obvious mechanical catastrophe.
 
Q:  When do we use the Mayor's tip line?
A:  The Tip line is for local citizenry -- the 
Comments pages are for public suggestions and 
questions.
 
Q:  Has Phillips recovered enough to be questioned 
about the escape?
A:  No-he's not conscious--still comatose.