In the Martin and Booker case, a taxi driver quickly became a major suspect because his cab was seen in the vicinity of the crime scene that morning, but the driver was soon "washed out" as investigations continued. Friends, acquaintances, and several suspects were questioned in three rooms of the Bowie County building by officers who worked in 24-hour relays. Suspects were brought in from within a radius of , both male and female, and white and black. Officers received a lead from Jerry Atkins, Booker's band leader, who stated that Betty had carried a saxophone with her. Because no saxophone was found, officers hoped that it would lead them to a suspect.