Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Possible Development in Missing Girls' Case

Aired August 16, 2002 - 05:05   ET

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

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: There's been an alleged confession in the case of two teenage girls who have been missing since winter. "The Oregonian" newspaper says a man named Ward Weaver's son told police that his father claimed to have killed Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis. The accusation follows charges of an alleged rape.
Our James Hattori is following developments in Oregon City.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Did Ward Weaver kidnap two missing Oregon City girls or is he the victim of wild accusation by an angry son? Weaver is in jail, accused of raping his son's 19-year-old girlfriend Tuesday night. That same night, according to a local newspaper, "The Oregonian," Francis Weaver called 911 and said his father claimed to have killed Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis, who were kidnapped from the apartment complex where they both lived more than five months ago.

Francis Weaver's mother says she has doubts about her son's accusation.

MARIA SHAW, WEAVER'S FIRST WIFE: When an angry person, you know, acted, you know, with anger, they will say the things to put the other person in a lot of trouble, to get even.

HATTORI: Michelle Duffy, mother of one of the missing girls, says investigators have doubts, too.

MICHELLE DUFFY, MIRANDA GADDIS' MOTHER: They've told me what happened has no connection. The only thing they're checking is because what his son has said. And so we're really hoping what he said is out of anger and not real.

HATTORI: Ward Weaver is expected to be indicted on the rape charges next week. As for the missing girls' case, the FBI says there is still no suspect.

James Hattori, CNN, Oregon City, Oregon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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