Luther Jenson interview

Monday, February 5, 2024 – 4:01 p.m.

Luther Jenson is Blake Jenson's grandfather.

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

Participants:

• Detective T. Armstrong
• Detective S. Murphy
• Luther Jenson

Detective Murphy: Thank you so much for your time. Could you state your name and address for the record?

Luther Jenson: You're welcome. My name is Luther Jenson, and my permanent residence is 1199 Mimosa Drive.

Detective Murphy: I understand you've just gotten back into town?

Luther Jenson: Yes, we flew into Memphis earlier this afternoon. We came straight here to find out what happened.

Detective Murphy: Where were you when you were notified about Blake?

Luther Jenson: At our second home in Texas. Agnes took the call last night. The man said he was from the sheriff's office, so she thought it was another complaint about Blake's loud music.

Detective Armstrong: Was it?

Luther Jenson: Unfortunately, not. Agnes yelled, "No! No! No!" Then she fell to her knees. I picked up the phone, and the man identified himself as Sergeant Spearman and told me Blake was gone.

Detective Armstrong: Did anyone else contact you about Blake's death?

Luther Jenson: Our friends George and Anna Raymond called late last night to see how we were and when we'd be back.

Detective Armstrong: What's your relationship with the Raymonds?

Luther Jenson: They've always been good neighbors and good friends.

Detective Murphy: Haven't they called the police on Blake numerous times?

Luther Jenson: Why, yes, they have. That doesn't take away from the fact that we're friends.

Detective Murphy: Did Blake feel the same way?

Luther Jenson: He didn't hold it against them, if that's what you mean.

Detective Murphy: Can you tell us if Blake had any enemies?

Luther Jenson: Honest to God, I have never heard of anyone who disliked Blake. He is—was—a good boy. I'm sure people who didn't know him judged his hair and the piercings and thought he was a freak, but he wasn't. He was a kind, gentle soul.

Detective Armstrong: When was the last time you talked to Blake?

Luther Jenson: Around 1:30 p.m. yesterday. He called to thank us for his birthday card.

Detective Murphy: Did he mention if anything was bothering him?

Luther Jenson: Agnes said he was all fired up about some contest he was going to have that night with some guy from Water Valley, but was anything bothering him? Hmm. Nope, he seemed fine as frog hair to me.

Detective Armstrong: Mr. Jenson, I don't want to offend you, but your grandson sounds too good to be true.

Luther Jenson: Maybe, but it's the truth. I'd say, other than keeping a messy room and acting cocky at times, he was a fine young man.

Detective Murphy: So, is there anything unusual you think we should know? Something that might help us determine what happened?

Luther Jenson: Well, Agnes said his eyes looked odd when she went to the morgue to identify him. I figured it was just because his light had been snuffed out. The eyes are the windows to the soul, after all. I would imagine that the eyes would look … odd … when the soul has departed.

Detective Murphy: Mr. Jenson, did Blake have any medical conditions we should be aware of?

Luther Jenson: No, not really. Well, he has a little heart flutter or something.

Detective Murphy: Was it ever diagnosed by a doctor?

Luther Jenson: Yes. WPW Syndrome.

Detective Armstrong: What's that, exactly?

Luther Jenson: Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. I'm not too familiar with all the details, but Agnes knows all about it. She made sure Blake was taking care of himself.

Detective Armstrong: You certain about that?

Luther Jenson: What?

Detective Armstrong: Didn't Blake's lifestyle put him at risk considering his heart condition?

Luther Jenson: I don't think so. He was born with it, and it never gave him any problems to speak of. He was a normal, active kid.

Detective Murphy: Did he take any medications for it?

Luther Jenson: No. So far, he hadn't needed any.

Detective Murphy: Who else knew about Blake's heart condition besides you and your wife?

Luther Jenson: No one, I reckon. Blake didn't like people knowing.

Detective Armstrong: What about the Erdell kid?

Luther Jenson: Kent? I guess Blake could've told him, but I doubt it.

Detective Armstrong: How were Blake and Kent getting along?

Luther Jenson: Come on now. They're best friends. Kent took Agnes to the morgue and stayed by her side the entire time.

Detective Murphy: You didn't go with her?

Luther Jenson: I'm ashamed to say that I didn't. I just wasn't ready to see him like that. I planned to go but then got sick to my stomach, felt lightheaded, and passed out. I just couldn't. Our world revolved around that boy. He made life worth living.

Detective Armstrong: I understand. I'm sorry we had to put you through this today. If you think of anything that might prove helpful, let us know.

Detective Murphy: I'll walk you out. Feel free to help yourself to coffee and donuts while we talk to your wife.

Interview ended – 4:29 p.m.