Sox Jackson interview

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – 2:40 p.m.

Buford "Sox" Jackson is a co-owner of Square Pizza, where Jasmine Ledbetter worked.

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

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Sox Jackson

Detective Armstrong: Thanks for coming by, Sox.

Sox Jackson: No problem, Ted. What can I do for you?

Detective Murphy: First, will you please state your name and address for the record?

Sox Jackson: Sure thing. I'm Sox Jackson of 1307 Harrison Avenue here in Oxford.

Detective Armstrong: Sox, I've got to ask. Your mother didn't name you Sox, did she?

Sox Jackson: No, my mama named me Buford.

Detective Armstrong: Really?

Sox Jackson: Yeah. That's why I go by Sox.

Detective Armstrong: Yeah.

Detective Murphy: So, Sox, we were just talking to Hannah Poole a little bit ago.

Sox Jackson: Oh, yeah? She's a good kid. Hey, you don't think she's mixed up in what happened to Jasmine, do you?

Detective Murphy: No, it doesn't seem like it right now, but she told us you might be able to help us with something.

Sox Jackson: Oh, yeah? What's that?

Detective Murphy: She said a blonde girl, maybe a college student, had been coming in and asking questions about Jasmine. Hannah said this girl talked to her, and she thought you might know who else at Square Pizza this girl spoke to.

Sox Jackson: If it's the one I'm thinking about, I'm not sure who all she talked to. She hit me up for information about Jasmine, but she couldn't give me a good reason why she needed to know, so I suggested she order some pizza or move on.

Detective Murphy: How did she respond to that?

Sox Jackson: She didn't like it, but what was she going to do?

Detective Murphy: Did you happen to get her name?

Sox Jackson: I couldn't help it. I've seen her credit card often enough. Beckwith. Annie? Ashley? Something like that.

Detective Murphy: Did you tell Jasmine that this girl had been asking about her?

Sox Jackson: Yeah.

Detective Murphy: What did she say?

Sox Jackson: She said I was right not to tell her anything.

Detective Murphy: Did she seem worried?

Sox Jackson: No, she was annoyed. I asked her if she wanted me to ban the girl, but she said no.

Detective Murphy: So she knew her?

Sox Jackson: I don't think they were friends or anything like that, but Jasmine seemed to know who she was. She didn't tell me, though. Seemed like she didn't want to talk about it.

Detective Armstrong: Did you notice anything different or unusual going on between Jasmine and her co-workers in the weeks before her death?

Sox Jackson: No. I don't think so. She was a good manager. Of course, her position required her to do some unpleasant things sometimes.

Detective Armstrong: Like what?

Sox Jackson: Things like reprimanding workers for being late or missing their shifts without notifying us and warning them of the consequences. She had to make sure her shifts were adequately staffed, calling someone else in if an employee didn't show up. Occasionally, she had to recommend that we fire someone. But I don't think there was much of that in the last couple of months.

Detective Armstrong: Were any of the other employees jealous of Jasmine?

Sox Jackson: Oh, I suppose. There's always someone who thinks a manager was unfairly promoted over them, but Jasmine was the most qualified and suited for the job.

Detective Armstrong: And who is that someone in this case?

Sox Jackson: Stephanie Albright was the other person up for the job, and she wasn't happy when she didn't get it, but it wasn't a big deal.

Detective Armstrong: Is it possible there was animosity that you weren't aware of?

Sox Jackson: Of course, that's always a possibility, but I keep a pretty close watch on my business.

Detective Murphy: What was Jasmine's schedule like the week she was killed?

Sox Jackson: I'd have to look at my records, but she usually worked days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and Friday and Saturday nights until close. She worked the day shift last Saturday, though, because she had something to do that evening, she said. I sure wish she was still here. She was an excellent employee. I miss her.

Detective Armstrong: Did you ever meet her mother or father?

Sox Jackson: I met her mother, of course. She came in sometimes. I couldn't tell you exactly how often, but she seemed to keep close tabs on Jasmine. I don't believe I've ever met her father.

Detective Murphy: Do you know why Jasmine's mother was keeping close tabs on her? Was she concerned about something?

Sox Jackson: I couldn't tell you. If you ask me, she's like one of those… what do they call them? Helicopter moms, that's it. Anyway, it was a little much, maybe, especially for someone Jasmine's age, but what do I know?

Detective Murphy: How did Jasmine feel about her mother coming in?

Sox Jackson: She didn't really like it. I mean, would you want your mom coming to your work? But what could she do?

Detective Armstrong: Do you have any idea who could have killed Jasmine?

Sox Jackson: I wish I did. I'd give them to you in a heartbeat. Jasmine didn't deserve that.

Detective Armstrong: Thanks again, Sox. We appreciate you coming in. If you think of anything else, give us a call.

Sox Jackson: Glad I could help. Y'all come by for a slice sometime.

Interview ended – 3:11 p.m.