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CNN Live Today

Oregon City Prosecutor Expected to File Charges Against Weaver Soon

Aired August 27, 2002 - 10:04   ET

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

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: The search that fanned out across the country now ends in the shadow of the place where it began. The Oregon City apartment complex where two friends disappeared two months apart. Forensic tests confirm that bodies found in a backyard are, indeed, those of the two missing girls.
Our James Hattori is standing by now in Oregon City. Let's check in with him now and get the very latest -- good morning, James.

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Leon. We expect things to be considerably quiet here this morning. A couple of squad cars are here at the scene of Ward Weaver's home, and of course, the grieving will continue now that it has been confirmed that the second set of remains that was discovered at the Weaver home are those of 13- year-old Ashley Pond. She was the first of the two young girls kidnapped from the apartment complex, right next door to the Weaver home, as we all know now. That word coming from investigators as they wrapped up processing the crime scene last night.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHARLES MATHEWS, FBI: They searched the property, concluded late last night, and we are confident that we have obtained the evidence that's there, and in a format suitable to assist the prosecution.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HATTORI: As friends and family continue to mourn not only for Ashley Pond but also for Miranda Gaddis, the other kidnapped girl missing from the apartment complex, whose body was found here as well. The legal work is already beginning toward building a case against Mr. Weaver.

The prosecutor yesterday is saying that he will seek charges against Mr. Weaver, but only after all of the evidence is presented and processed and presented to a grand jury, and there is no timetable for that to happen.

Leon, the prosecutor is not the only one preparing for a legal case. Mr. Weaver's attorney telling the local paper today that he probably will seek a change of venue when the trial occurs because of the great amount of publicity that has surrounded this case. And the concern that his client may not be able to get a fair trial here -- Leon.

HARRIS: James, as a matter of fact, you mention the publicity this case has gotten in that area. That memorial behind you is a testament to that. It seems like it continues to grow behind you.

HATTORI: It has grown considerably over the past couple of days. There are -- it is a whole full fence now, across the front of Ward Weaver's home, and if today is any indication of yesterday and the day before, there will be throngs of people again out looking and pausing and posting notes, pausing there reflectively to pay their respects for the two young girls. Quite an impact on this community -- Leon.

HARRIS: No doubt, no doubt. That's amazing. That should erase any doubts that the family of maybe the girls themselves might be having right now about whether people out there actually care. Boy. James Hattori, thank you very much. Check back with you later on.

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