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: 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