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CNN Live Today

Two Oregon Girls' Remains Identified

Aired August 27, 2002 - 12:04   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Hopes are dashed in the case of two missing girls in Oregon City. Last night, the remains of Ashley Pond were positively identified, one day after those of her friend, Miranda Gaddis, were identified.
CNN's James Hattori joins us once again from the site that's become a tribute to those girls.

Hi -- James.

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra.

Investigative activities have wound down considerably here. In fact, the search of Ward Weaver's property, where the two bodies were found, has been completed as of last night.

Of course, the searching may be over, but the grieving is not, especially in light of the fact, as you say, that the second set of remains have been positively identified as those of 13-year-old Ashley Pond. She was the first of two girls kidnapped from the apartment complex right next door to Ward Weaver's home. That word came from investigators yesterday.

Now, friends and family, as we say, continue to mourn. And it's especially a perplexing time for families, not only of Pond, but for Miranda Gaddis, as the reality just continues to slowly set in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think we're glad for the closure of knowing where they are, and they're not continuing to be hurt or anything like that. But it's horrifying to know that they were there, and that they were under the ground or wherever they were, and that something horrible happened to them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HATTORI: Now, the legal case against Mr. Weaver is continuing to be built. The prosecutor yesterday saying that he does intend to bring charges, but only after all of the evidence is collected and processed and presented to a grand jury. There is no timetable as to when that will happen.

Also, Weaver's defense attorney is looking ahead to the possibility of a trial. He told a local newspaper that he believes that he may have to ask for a change of venue if a trial occurs, believing that there has been so much publicity surrounding this case that it would be hard for his client, Mr. Weaver, to get a fair trial here.

And lastly, Kyra, as mentioned at the outset, this has been a tremendous event for the community. And behind me, you can see the wall that police erected in front of the Weaver house to initially protect the search site, has now become, as we have all seen now, a living memorial for the two girls. People from, not only this neighborhood, but from around Oregon City, coming to pay their respects for the two young girls.

A lot of balloons and candles, stuffed animals, a lot of messages, especially from other young kids of Miranda's and Ashley's age, a very touching scene and a sign of just how emotional this story is, and how big an impact it's had on the local community -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Yes, definitely. There's always a big impact, when it comes to our kids.

James Hattori, thank you.

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