Surprising Waco police and his attorney, former Baylor basketball player Carlton Dotson surrendered Thursday to talk about the disappearance of his former teammate, Patrick Dennehy, authorities said.
Dotson, who has faced scrutiny after police labeled him a "person of interest," contacted the sheriff's department near his home in Dorchester County, Md., and asked to be taken to the department headquarters so he could give a statement.
Dotson's motives were unclear, and his St. Petersburg lawyer, Grady Irvin Jr., and Texas investigators scrambled for most of the afternoon to learn what he said.
"Our office is unaware of what Mr. Dotson will say to authorities," Irvin said. "But a family relative has stated that Carlton has not slept for several days."
In Cambridge, Md., the county sheriff, James Phillips, said Dotson talked to his officers and an FBI agent for about two hours before leaving with his high school basketball coach.
"We are just listening," said the sheriff, who did not provide details of what Dotson said.
He said the officers did not interview or question Dotson, who was alone.
Phillips said of Dotson, "He is not a suspect. He is not wanted by any police department. There will be no charges based on what happened here."
Waco police spokesman Sgt. Ryan Holt said sheriff's deputies said Dotson arrived at their facility and "was wishing to talk with detectives about this case." He said a lengthy transcript from the sheriff's department was sent Thursday night and "we're going to have to go over and evaluate what he said."
Police consider Dennehy, 21, a missing person but also are investigating the case as a possible homicide. He hasn't been heard from since June 14, when he spoke by phone with a friend in Arlington. They arranged to get together, but Dennehy did not show. His sport utility vehicle was found June 25, abandoned without its license plates in Virginia Beach, Va.
According to a search warrant affidavit, an unidentified informant reported to Delaware police that Dotson told his cousin he shot Dennehy when the two argued while firing guns near Waco.
"We are not aware of any wrongdoing which has taken place on his part in relation to the disappearance of Patrick Dennehy," Irvin said. "It appears that Carlton has opted not to have counsel present."
A call to Dotson's cell phone was answered by the message: "Yo. You've reached Dotty, and, obviously, my phone is off. I just don't want to talk to you. Leave your name and your number, and I might just holler back at you."
