Just how dark was it?

It would be nearly impossible for a party guest to know with certainty that Billy did leave the party for an hour. The guests remark several times on the darkness that night, as well as, the fact that there were many “small” parties going on. People in attendance did mingle throughout the night and could not account for all guest’s whereabouts the entire night. There were guests there at the same time as Lesa, but didn’t even see her at all. In fact, it was so dark that many people in attendance were probably unaware of just how many people were there and how many people were actually partying further back up the lane than just at the beach area. The place was packed and many probably still have no idea how many were there, or what they were doing the whole time. Some thought it odd that Billy was the only one swimming and was trying to get others to join in. In fact, they had no idea that there were others who were swimming throughout the night. While it was cool and dark; people were drunk, at a beach party in July-and people other than Billy did get in the water late that night.

Once someone was away from another only a small distance, you could not see them anymore. It would be crazy to think one could see further than 10-15 feet on that night. Unless Darren Turner kept his eyes right on the gate area for an hour straight (which again would be difficult to see-even from Billy’s truck), he couldn’t be certain Billy and Lesa even went on through the gate. And, he would have never been able to see them actually begin walking on around the lake. As you go out the gate your vision is impaired by trees and thick brush. The area of the party (beach) was in the country, off the main road approximately .75 to 1 mile. There was no light from any source that I remember seeing. It was pitch black out. Notice the pictures from that night. The only light is from the flash of a camera and you cannot see what is behind the people in the pictures.