Scott Knapp interview

Monday, May 13, 2024 – 8:30 a.m.

Scott Knapp was supposed to interview Jasmine Ledbetter for a job the evening she was last seen, according to her mother, Brenda Ledbetter.

Detectives Armstrong and Murphy talked with him at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Scott Knapp

Detective Armstrong: Thank you for coming in this morning, Mr. Knapp.

Scott Knapp: Of course. Anything I can do to help, but I don't really know much about Jasmine Ledbetter, you know.

Detective Murphy: Before we begin, may we have your name and address for the record, please?

Scott Knapp: Scott Knapp. I live at 1490 Madison Avenue.

Detective Murphy: Thank you, Mr. Knapp. Now, tell us how you came to know Miss Ledbetter.

Scott Knapp: I advertised online for a "girl Friday," and she answered my ad.

Detective Armstrong: When was the first time you met her?

Scott Knapp: I never did really meet her. We just talked on the phone.

Detective Murphy: Didn't she fill out an application for the position?

Scott Knapp: No, I just talked to her on the phone. We had an appointment on Saturday to meet and talk about the job.

Detective Armstrong: Exactly what kind of job are we talking about here?

Scott Knapp: Well, I'm a photographer. I've been specializing in portraits, weddings, proms, and that sort of thing, but I hope to do more magazine location work that would allow me to travel. I recently completed an assignment for Southern Living magazine, and they liked my work. In fact, they're sending me on another job that requires me to travel.

Detective Armstrong: Congratulations. What does this girl Friday job entail?

Scott Knapp: While I'm gone, I want someone to answer my phone and do some filing, tend to mail, that sort of thing. I was impressed with Jasmine's enthusiasm and interest when I talked to her on the phone. We scheduled a meeting so she could see my office and studio, and I could determine if she was right for the job.

Detective Murphy: Did you see her on Saturday?

Scott Knapp: No, I didn't. We had planned that I would pick her up at 6:30 p.m. and take her to my studio. That way, we could talk, and if I decided she was right for the job, I could show her around. But she phoned me around 5:00 p.m. and said she had a ride, so I didn't need to pick her up after all. I tried to call her later when she didn't show up, but I never reached her.

Detective Armstrong: Don't you find it unusual for a prospective employer to pick up a young girl and take her to his home for an interview?

Scott Knapp: When we scheduled the interview, Miss Ledbetter mentioned she would need to get a ride since she was between cars. I offered to pick her up. And it isn't my home. It's my studio that happens to be located in my home.

Detective Armstrong: Do you usually interview prospective employees at your home?

Scott Knapp: I usually interview prospective employees at my studio, which happens to be at my home.

Detective Armstrong: What interested you in Miss Ledbetter, Mr. Knapp? Are you attracted to young girls?

Scott Knapp: I was interested because she was willing to work for a reasonable wage and learn about photography. That's one of the things that impressed me when we talked on the phone. She seemed so eager to learn. She told me she wanted to do something more than work at Square Pizza. If you're implying something sinister here, detective, you are way off base.

Detective Murphy: What time did you say you talked to her, Mr. Knapp?

Scott Knapp: I said she called, but I didn't talk to her. I must have been in my darkroom, and it went to voicemail. She just left the message that she had a ride and didn't need me to pick her up after all.

Detective Armstrong: What time did she call?

Scott Knapp: It was around 5:00 p.m. I don't remember the exact time.

Detective Murphy: You said you tried to call her when she didn't show up for the interview.

Scott Knapp: That's right.

Detective Murphy: Where did you try to call her? Her cell phone? Her home?

Scott Knapp: I only have one number for her. I think it was her cell phone.

Detective Armstrong: Okay, Mr. Knapp. I think that's all for today, but we may need to talk with you again.

Scott Knapp: I leave soon for my photo shoot, detective, but I'll help in any way I can. She seemed like such an enthusiastic young lady. It's terrible what happened to her.

Detective Murphy: Yes, sir. Thank you again for coming in. You have our number to call if you think of anything else?

Scott Knapp: Yes, thank you. Goodbye.

Interview ends – 8:54 a.m.