Arnette Mackey interview

Friday, January 29, 2021 – 12:30 p.m.

Arnette Mackey works as a clerk at the Kroger Fuel Center on University Avenue in Oxford. 

Detectives Armstrong and Murphy spoke to her at the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Arnette Mackey

Detective Murphy: Thanks for coming in, Ms. Mackey. I'm Detective Murphy, and this is Detective Armstrong.

Arnette Mackey: It's no problem at all. My shift doesn't start until later. What can I do for you folks?

Detective Murphy: First, give us your name and address for the record, if you would.

Arnette Mackey: Sure thing. I'm Arnette Mackey. I live at 22 Wilson Road.

Detective Murphy: Thanks. And where do you work, Ms. Mackey?

Arnette Mackey: At the Kroger Fuel Center.

Detective Murphy: Were you working last Saturday morning?

Arnette Mackey: Last Saturday and every Saturday for the last three years.

Detective Murphy: Did you happen to see this man last Saturday?

Arnette Mackey: That's that man who got killed, isn't it?

Detective Armstrong: You recognize him?

Arnette Mackey: Well, he's been all over the news, hasn't he?

Detective Armstrong: Is that the only place you recognize him from?

Arnette Mackey: Let me take another look. You know, he does resemble a fella who came in recently. Could've been last Saturday.

Detective Armstrong: Is there some reason he sticks out in your memory?

Arnette Mackey: Oh, this fella was fussin' about how the pump didn't print out his receipt, and he needed it for work, and I don't know what all.

Detective Armstrong: Did he say anything else?

Arnette Mackey: He was carryin' on about how he was already late for a meeting because his wife never fills up when it gets down to a quarter tank like he told her to. You know how men always try to blame their wives for things that are their own dang fault. Or maybe you don't.

Detective Armstrong: Yes, ma'am.

Arnette Mackey: He was fit to be tied, I can tell you that.

Detective Armstrong: Did he say where he was going?

Arnette Mackey: If he did, I wasn't listening. I just wanted to get him his receipt and get him out of there. I had other customers waiting.

Detective Murphy: Did he have anyone with him?

Arnette Mackey: Not that I saw.

Detective Murphy: Would he be on the security video from the store?

Arnette Mackey: I reckon so, but I don't know anything about that. You'll have to talk to my manager.

Detective Armstrong: Did you notice anything else about him?

Arnette Mackey: Not really. After I gave him his receipt, he said he was sorry for making such a fuss, said he knew it wasn't my fault the pump printer wasn't working. That was nice of him. Most folks don't bother.

Detective Murphy: Did you happen to see what kind of vehicle he was driving?

Arnette Mackey: Let me think. Seems like it was one of those fancy sedans—American like a Lincoln or a Cadillac, not foreign like a Mercedes or a Lexus.

Detective Murphy: Not an SUV?

Arnette Mackey: Not unless I'm thinking of the wrong guy. Was he supposed to be in an SUV?

Detective Murphy: No, not necessarily. I just wanted to double-check.

Arnette Mackey: Well, if it's the guy I'm thinking of, he was in a car, not an SUV. That's all I can tell you.

Detective Murphy: Is there anything else you recall about your interaction with him?

Arnette Mackey: I don't believe so.

Detective Murphy: All right. Thanks again for your time. You've been a big help.

Arnette Mackey: I have?

Detective Armstrong: Yes, ma'am. We'll be in touch if we have any other questions.

Arnette Mackey: Okay, then. Y'all have a good day.

Interview ended – 12:44 p.m.