Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Prosecutor to Meet With Runnion, May Seek Death Penalty

Aired July 22, 2002 - 13:15   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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The prosecutor says he will meet with family of the late Samantha Runnion and then he'll decide whether to seek the death penalty against her alleged killer. Alejandro Avila faces his first court appearance in just a matter of hours.

It's in Santa Ana, California, and that's where we find CNN's Rusty Dornin -- Rusty.

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, things have happened so quickly in this case. It was one week ago today that 5- year-old Samantha Runnion was snatched right out of her front yard by a man claiming to be looking for his dog. Her body was discovered 24 hours later. She had been raped and strangled.

Now, 27-year-old Alejandro Avila will face charges in this case. Sheriff Mike Carona of Orange County has said he feels he has an airtight case that he is turning over to prosecutors, comprised of a lot of physical evidence, that he claims the suspect made a lot of mistakes. He also confirms that there is DNA evidence included in that, although he will not elaborate on that.

Now, back at the apartment complex, there has been a shrine that's been growing all last week of people, well-wishers, giving cards and stuffed animals and flowers. About 1,000 people, apparently, visited the site. There was a vigil Saturday night. And Samantha's mother did come out for the very first time and show her gratitude for all the support.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ERIN RUNNION, SAMANTHA'S MOTHER: I want you all to know each other, watch out for your babies, watch out for each other's babies, take care of one another, OK? Thank you again.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DORNIN: Now, apparently, that memorial site is being sort of shut down. They're telling people please don't come by and give any more things there. They're trying to have some closure there at the apartment complex. They want it to become again a place where children can play.

Meantime, funeral services have yet to be announced -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, Rusty Dornin, thank you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com