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CNN Live Today

Helder's Flight From Reno Delayed

Aired May 10, 2002 - 12:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: In the meantime, in this country, still awaiting the transfer of accused serial bomber Luke Helder. At this hour, the youth from Minnesota still inside that jail in Nevada where his alleged five-state pipe bomb spree came to an end on Tuesday.

Martin Savidge again in Reno live with us. I understand there's been somewhat of a delay -- Marty, good afternoon to you or good morning from your location there.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thank you very much, Bill. Well, not many of us can equate to the legal problems that Luke Helder is facing at this particular time, but we can equate to this one fact: his flight has been delayed.

We're not exactly sure why that flight has been delayed, but we were expecting he was going to leave this facility early this morning to begin making his legal track back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. And now we are being told that it may be another hour, could be possibly longer, until he does get on board an aircraft that will take him that way.

We also have heard that his hearing there in Cedar Rapids now is scheduled to take place at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. It was scheduled for 5:30 PM Eastern Time.

There is some supposition as to whether Luke really knows the trouble that he's in. Certainly his parents know the problems he faces. They met with him yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Three days before Mother's Day, the parents of accused mailbox bomber Luke Helder had a painful family reunion.

CAMERON HELDER, SUSPECT'S FATHER: We are here to see our son in his hour of need. We told him we love him. I feel better, a lot better after speaking to him.

SAVIDGE: The face to face meeting followed an anguishing odyssey taking Helder's mother and father from their small town in Minnesota to a jail outside Reno, Nevada.

SHERIFF DENNIS BALAAM, WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA: Any meeting of this type where you have two parents and a sibling, I think it's very difficult. This is a complete surprise to them and I think it's a huge emotional situation here.

SAVIDGE: The visit was said to be part of a deal made between the FBI and Luke Helder as authorities were closing in on him. Talking to federal agents on a cell phone, Helder asked he not be harmed and that he be allowed to see his parents. The couple came to Reno full of questions, but drained of emotion.

HELDER: It's already been very hard on us and our heart goes out to the families of the victims and the victims. We're really sorry.

SAVIDGE: The journey for Luke Helder's parents may be over, but the legal one for their son is only beginning, as authorities in five states where 18 pipe bombs were found line up with charges.

Cedar Rapids is his first stop. Iowa is where two of six victims were wounded by pipe bombs. A conviction there alone could send Helder to prison for the rest of his life.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: And just some quick details about that family visit. It lasted only 30 minutes, and the family members were only allowed to talk over a telephone looking through a glass partition. They were never actually able to touch.

Luke Helder now getting ready to move on. His departure delayed, but they do expect him to leave today -- Bill.

HEMMER: Marty, thank you. Martin Savidge in Reno, Nevada.

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