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American Morning
Missing Florida Girl; Pope's Health; Oscar Talk
Aired February 25, 2005 - 08:59 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: Around the world millions now praying for the pope this morning. Are those prayers being answered with positive news from the Vatican today?
From Tyler, Texas, there was panic inside the courthouse. A gunfight breaks out in the streets outside. This town now in shock after another brutal crime.
And who's got the buzz heading into Sunday night for Oscar weekend? It's prediction time for the Academy Awards. And we have ours. We'll get to them this hour on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Welcome, everybody.
The pope's health is still the big story this morning. The Vatican saying earlier that the pope is resting comfortably, that he's eating, he is breathing on his own. It's certainly good news after his tracheotomy of yesterday. In just a few minutes we're going to talk to the editor of "Inside the Vatican" about what church leaders are telling us and maybe, more importantly, what they're not telling us today.
HEMMER: Yes, there lies a riddle, too, yes.
In a moment here also, a statewide search in Florida for this 9- year-old girl. Jessica Lunsford is her name. She disappeared Wednesday night. We'll hear for the first time from her family members this hour. A live news conference from a very small town north of Tampa in Florida coming up in a moment here.
O'BRIEN: Mr. Cafferty, good morning again.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
The Oscar telecast Sunday night. The "Question of the Day" is how much do you care about the Academy Awards? The e-mail address is AM@CNN.com.
O'BRIEN: Thank you.
CAFFERTY: You're welcome.
O'BRIEN: I'm just waiting to hear about Jamie Foxx from you. Anything you're going to throw in? CAFFERTY: I've got nothing.
O'BRIEN: You've got nothing else? All right. All right.
CAFFERTY: It's Friday and I'm tired.
O'BRIEN: I hear you. I hear you. All right, Jack. Thanks.
Let's get right to Carol Costello with some of the other stories that are making headlines this morning.
Good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Good morning to all of you.
"Now in the News," at least three American soldiers killed today in Iraq. The soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb went off about 20 miles northeast of Baghdad. At least six other troops were injured.
In Florida, a ruling expected later today on a new request to keep Terri Schiavo on a feeding tube for at least another 60 days. An attorney for the parents of the brain-damaged woman says a Florida agency wants to investigate allegations that Schiavo has been mistreated. Barring action from the judge, Schiavo's husband could order the removal of her feeding tube as early as today.
Mission accomplished. A missile test over the Pacific Ocean proved to be a success. The missile fired from a U.S. Navy ship off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, intercepted, and destroyed a mock warhead. The Pentagon says the test marked the fifth successful attempt out of six tries.
And in California, the big day approaches in the Michael Jackson trial. Opening statements set to begin on Monday.
Today, the judge will hear motions from both sides. Eight alternate jurors were named during a hearing yesterday. And the judge warned the panel not to get involved in the circus surrounding the case. The trial is expected to last about five months -- Bill.
HEMMER: Predictions say it will go quicker. We'll see. Thank you, Carol.
Up and down the East Coast, it's going to be a rough morning, a rough rush hour, too, for commuters. From Virginia up to Massachusetts, people now waking up to slick roads and several inches of snow.
Here in New York, crews worked overtime to stay ahead of the white mess throughout the night. Parts of D.C., parts of Virginia saw about six inches on the ground. And officials worry today about freezing roads.
Check of the weather tops our news this hour. Here's Chad Myers at the CNN Center.
(WEATHER REPORT)
You mentioned Florida. That's our next story now, Chad.
A mysterious disappearance in that state. Nine-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford has not been seen since late Wednesday night. She's 4'11" tall, weighs about 70 pounds, and has light brown hair. She was last seen wearing her pink night gown.
There is a statewide search under way now in its second day. And the sheriff in the county of Citrus is Jeff Dawsy. He explains the circumstances to us now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Sheriff, she lives with her father and grandparents in the coastal town of Homosassa. What were the circumstances surrounding her disappearance?
SHERIFF JEFF DAWSY, CITRUS COUNTY: Very unusual. The father returned home in the early morning hours of yesterday. And upon entry of the residence, the young girl was gone.
HEMMER: The father returned home around 6:00 in the morning Thursday, is that right? He was out all night with a friend?
DAWSY: Yes, he was out all night with a friend. The child was not in any harm's way. As we said, she was at residence with her grandparents. The grandparents put her to sleep around 10:00 on Wednesday evening. And when the father came in around 5:45, they noticed that Jessica was not there.
HEMMER: Have you questioned the father?
DAWSY: Well, we have questioned everybody. Nobody's a specific subject. But we had some questioning with the father, the grandfather and the grandmother yesterday throughout the day.
HEMMER: Is the father considered suspicious after being out all night?
DAWSY: No. We were able to verify his whereabouts. He was with a lady friend of his. And after verifying it, it feels that his alibi falls with the statement we received from him.
HEMMER: Why is there no Amber Alert put out for this girl?
DAWSY: Well, in talking with FDLE, there's a light difference. We don't have a car, per se, a description of the car. And we cannot prove at this particular time a valid abduction. I think as today goes on, we'll be having some conversation with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and re-review this case with them.
HEMMER: The mother, I believe, lives in Ohio, is that right? Have you talked to her? DAWSY: No. We're not sure where the mom lives. The FBI went up to Ohio the last address we had and there was no -- there was nobody at the residence. We're still having trouble locating her.
We're running down some leads in that area. But she doesn't really play an integral part in this child's life.
HEMMER: She did not leave without any shoes apparently. That's what the investigation has shown. What does that indicate to you, sheriff?
DAWSY: Well, that, and the clothes she wore, which was a nightgown, leaving the residence, just does not hold true to this young girl. This girl is very cautious about what she does. She usually does not leave the residence without telling the grandparents where she's going. And that particular time of the evening, dark, a little cool, fog I just don't believe that young girl walked out on her own fruition.
HEMMER: Your county is crime-free almost. Second lowest crime rate in the entire state of Florida.
DAWSY: That's correct.
HEMMER: Ever had a case like this in recent times, Sheriff?
DAWSY: Not in recent times. I've been in this county for 20 years as a law enforcement officer. I never remember working a case of this nature.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: The sheriff also tells us the family has been interviewed a number of times. We're waiting to hear from them now. In fact, they're approaching a microphone down there in Citrus County just outside the home.
This should be the father. His name is Mark. Let's listen and see what we can learn now.
MARK LUNSFORD, FATHER: I really -- I really need as much help as I can get right now. I just -- I want my daughter home.
If there's anybody that anybody knows, there's a lot of numbers that you can call. And I just ask you to please help me find my daughter and bring her home.
Do you want to say anything, mom?
RUTH LUNSFORD, GRANDMOTHER: Whoever is out there that knows anything about Jesse, I'm her grandmother. And this is her grandfather and her daddy. We all live together in a very knit family.
And if you know anything at all where she might be or who she communicated with, anything, please let the authorities know. We need her home, and she needs us. Thank you.
ARCHIE LUNSFORD, GRANDFATHER: I'm Archie Lunsford, the grandfather. I just want to know where she's at, know that she's safe, see her back home.
QUESTION: Mark, can we ask you some questions?
M. LUNSFORD: Ys, sir.
QUESTION: Tell us, what's Jessica's mom's name and where does she live? And has she been part of this at all?
M. LUNSFORD: Oh, as far as her mother, that's just a long, drawn-out story. She's been with me since she was a year old. And there's not much more to say about it than that.
QUESTION: She hasn't been in touch?
M. LUNSFORD: A couple of times she has, you know. For what reasons -- they don't have contact with each other -- I wouldn't know. But her mother's name is Angela. Her maiden name is Wright (ph). Her last known whereabouts that I know of was in the area of -- I believe it was Pleasant Plain, Ohio. And that's all I know about Angie.
QUESTION: You have told police you came home about 5:45 yesterday morning, the front door was unlocked and your daughter was gone.
M. LUNSFORD: Yes. When I began my search, that's when I found that the front door was unlocked.
QUESTION: And where were you out the night before?
M. LUNSFORD: The night before I had spent the night with a friend. And I came, you know, to get ready for work. And I came in the door and her alarm clock was going off, which we know Jesse does that. She gets up on her own and she makes sure everybody else gets up.
And I went to my room, I changed my clothes, got ready for work. Her alarm clock is still going off. And when I opened her door to her room she wasn't there. And I just don't know where she's at, and I want her home.
QUESTION: Are you convinced at this point that no other family member had anything to do with your daughter's disappearance?
M. LUNSFORD: I've always been convinced that no family member has anything to do with this.
QUESTION: Mark, what would you want somebody to know about your daughter, as far as if they saw her, see her? What would you want them to know? What would they be looking for?
M. LUNSFORD: I mean, she's just like any other child. She's innocent. And she just needs to be home like any other child with her family.
QUESTION: To the grandparents, the last time you saw her was when she was put to bed that night after a prayer meeting?
R. LUNSFORD: She had gone to church, which was regular for her on Wednesday night, a kid's thing at church. And when she come home, she had done the normal thing. She got her snack, she took a shower, she went to bed at 10:00.
I'm laying on the bed. And she says, "Come on, grandma." And I said, "OK." And she said, "Come on, you've got to put me to bed."
I mean, I always put her to bed. So I went in there and I put her to bed.
QUESTION: What was the last thing you said to her?
R. LUNSFORD: "I love you." And then she said it to me. She always expresses her love.
QUESTION: Mrs. Lunsford, what do you think it's going to take to bring her back?
R. LUNSFORD: Prayer. That's the key, prayer, a lot of people praying. A lot of people taking it serious. And if they see a child out here, whether it looks like her or not, and they're roaming around, call the authorities and let them handle it.
QUESTION: Now, you all were home at the time. Did you see or hear anything unusual, any strange cars in the area or anything like that?
R. LUNSFORD: And our bedroom is right at the front. So we hear anything that would come in the driveway or anything.
QUESTION: And it would be totally out of her character to just wander off in the middle of the night?
R. LUNSFORD: She wouldn't go nowhere without consulting us. She'd come down here -- she has a playmate that lives down this way. And she would say, "Can I go?" And 30 minutes -- she'll be home in less than 30 minutes.
She won't go off on her bicycle, she will not go down towards Cardinal. She takes the dog for a walk, but I can look out the porch and see her.
She just doesn't go off nowhere. She doesn't -- doesn't roam. She's not -- she's a friendly child, but yet she has -- I call it a little backwards trend.
And she's very smart. She's very well mannered. And she's a beautiful child.
When god made -- when god made Jesse, he made an angel. And we've always called her "Princess." I know she's out there. I hope she can hear us. And whoever has got her, whatever it is, if somebody's got her, or they know she's laying over here or what, she needs to be with her family.
QUESTION: Mark, if someone did kidnap your daughter, and they're watching this right now on TV, you'd step up to the podium and what would you say to them?
M. LUNSFORD: I don't care who you are. Drop her off on the corner and call me. I'll come get her. I don't care.
She just needs to be home. And we can't do it without your guys' support. I need all the media I can get.
I need everyone that's listening and that sees this. I need your help. I know nobody knows anybody. But when things like this happen, the children don't come home if we all don't work together.
And I really need you. I just plead with you to please help me find my daughter.
HEMMER: We've been listening to the family members, the grandmother, the grandfather, Ruth and Archie Lunsford, and the father, Mark lunsford. Here is the story as we understand it.
Late Wednesday night around 10:00 local time in the small town of Homosassa Florida, which is about 75 miles north of Tampa, Florida, near the Gulf Coast there, Jessica was put to bed around 10:00. She has not been seen since.
She's described as 4'10" tall, weighing about 70 pounds. She has brown shoulder-length hair.
Was she abducted? Did she run away in the middle of the night? There are no clear answers at this point. But again, we're following this story out of Homosassa, Florida, a small town with the second lowest crime rate in the entire state.
Back to that story as we get more throughout the morning here -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Our other top story this morning, of course, the condition, the health condition of the pope. Vatican officials sharing some new details on the surgery and the recovery of Pope John Paul II. Are they telling us everything they know? A closer look at that ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
We're back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: From the Vatican today, new details on the condition of the pope. The 84-year-old pontiff recovering now after surgery yesterday. A tracheotomy to relieve what was described as a breathing crisis, that brought on by a recurrence of flu-like symptoms for which the pope was hospitalized earlier this month. Now, the Vatican reports the pope is breathing on his own without the aid of a respirator, but doctors have advised the pope to avoid talking at least for a few days. We are told that is normal.
And Robert Moynihan is editor of "Inside the Vatican," my guest now down in D.C.
Robert, good morning. Nice to chat with you here.
ROBERT MOYNIHAN, EDITOR, "INSIDE THE VATICAN": Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: All the news from the Vatican is positive. Does that surprise you in any way? Would we know otherwise?
MOYNIHAN: The Vatican is an enormous institution in the sense that it directs the spiritual lives of a billion people, one-sixth of the planet. So they try to keep things calm. And we wouldn't expect alarming statements.
The facts are that he's been twice in the hospital in a month, and he's 84 years old. He's had two cases of the flu, and so he's weak. The fact that he can't speak for a few days means that he could have a chance now to recover.
People have told me in Rome that he worked too hard during the middle part of February when he was recovering. He stayed up late reading, even against doctors' instructions. So he's a man with a very clear mind, strong will, but his body is getting weak. If he can make it through these next few weeks into the springtime, he should have good breathing.
HEMMER: I think there are a couple of very interesting things you've said over the past 24 hours. One of them is this: there is a clear sign and indication one can look for in Vatican City in the event the pope has died. What is that signal, Robert?
MOYNIHAN: There's an old tradition that the portono de bronzo (ph), the bronze doors, these are very tall doors right at the right side of St. Peter's Square at the end of Bernini's colonnade. If one of the doors closes, the pope has died.
HEMMER: And that would be before there was any official announcement from the Vatican?
MOYNIHAN: At times this happens before any official announcement.
HEMMER: Yes. The one thing we're picking up with Ray Flynn (ph) and yourself is that there is no clear successor to this pope. Is that surprising in any way? If you go back to 1978, who knew that a Polish man would be the next pope, when you go back over 450 years, when it was only Italians in that position.
MOYNIHAN: Exactly. In fact, in 1978, the crowd was so stunned when Wojtyla's name was announced that there was just a little bit of clapping. And people were saying, "Who is that? Is it an African?"
He wasn't even among the list of about 30 names of cardinals that had been suggest to the press as possible candidates. So no one expected him. And it's often said that whoever goes into a conclave, which is the meeting to elect the next pope, whoever goes in as a pope will come out as a cardinal.
HEMMER: Thank you, Robert. Good to talk to you.
Robert Moynihan down there in D.C. And we'll get the next official statement from the Vatican Monday morning.
Nice to chat with you.
Here's Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Well, the offensive is over for now. Did the president's five-day trip across Europe pay off? A look at that's up next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody.
Two days until the Academy Awards, and the frenzy over who is wearing what and who is going home with the golden statue is pretty much widespread. CNN entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas in Los Angeles in front of the Kodak Theatre.
And look, they've already rolled out the red carpet for you, Sibila.
SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: They certainly have. I couldn't wait.
You know, it's official. The countdown has begun for the 77th annual Academy Awards.
Not sure who the big winners are going to be, but I'll tell you one thing. With 11 nominations, it seems like the sky's the limit for "The Aviator."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VARGAS (voice-over): The story at the Oscars may come down to this: does "The Aviator" fly high or crash and burn? It's the most nominated film of the year, with 11 total, including one for lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio and another for supporting actress Cate Blanchett.
CATE BLANCHETT, ACTRESS: I was terrified when I sort of embarked on the journey of it. I'm so thrilled.
VARGAS: "The Aviator" could bring Martin Scorsese his first directing Oscar in five rice.
MARTIN SCORSESE, DIRECTOR: I would like to win. I would like the film to get some awards.
HILARY SWANK, ACTRESS, "MILLION DOLLAR BABY": I know if you train me right, I'm going to be a champ.
VARGAS: If "The Aviator" goes down, it will probably be at the hands or fists of "Million Dollar Baby." The boxing drama is up for best picture and best director, Clint Eastwood. He even directed himself to an acting nomination, along with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Hilary Swank.
SWANK: He is, you know, such a special, special person, and obviously such a talent. He's amazing.
VARGAS: Swank finds herself competing for best actress once again with Annette Bening, star of "Being Julia." They squared off five years ago, with Swank prevailing for "Boys Don't Cry" over "American Beauty" Bening.
The safest bet for an Oscar this year may be Jamie Foxx for his lead role in "Ray." He powers into the Oscars having snagged the SAG Award and a Golden Globe.
JAMIE FOXX, ACTOR: It's just a beautiful -- a beautiful time.
VARGAS: Foxx is also nominated in the supporting category for "Collateral." His two nominations in a single year are a first for an African-American actor.
It was a good year all the way around for acters of color. For the first time, they're represented in every acting category. That includes young Latina actress Catalina Sandino Moreno, who earned a best actress nomination for "Maria Full of Grace." She wasn't expecting it.
CATALINA SANDINO MORENO, ACTRESS: Never, never, never, ever, ever in my dreams, ever.
VARGAS: That's Oscar for you, the stuff dreams are made of.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VARGAS: And a lot of dreams will come true this weekend at the 77th annual Academy Awards. Don't forget to watch it this Sunday. And don't forget to watch us on CNN at 7:00 p.m. Eastern for our Oscar pre-show -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: We will not forget it. All right. Sibila, thanks.
Also, folks can join me Monday morning for a special edition, an Oscar edition of "90-Second Pop" straight from L.A. We're going to take a look at the winners and the losers. And, of course, the red carpet fashions and much, much more.
HEMMER: That red carpet looked burgundy in that morning light. Did it not?
O'BRIEN: A little more light.
HEMMER: We'll see it Sunday night.
Here's Jack now, the "Question of the Day," similar topic.
CAFFERTY: The question is, how much do you care about the Academy Awards?
Tina, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, "I happen to be very excited about the Oscars this Sunday. In my family, we're all movie buffs. In fact, we have a big party planned for Sunday."
Matthew in Del Tona, Florida, "Remember the Oscars handed out four of their bowling trophies to Kate Hepburn, not the greatest of talents, and never even nominated Edward G. Robinson. How can you possibly take them seriously?"
Suzi writes from Sheffield Lake, Ohio, "I have to admit, I enjoy watching the Oscars. It is certainly not the best of the awards shows. However, I enjoy seeing the stars in their outfits. It's been an annual event for me for years. My husband suffers through it."
And Jeff writes from Washington, "Jack, none of the nominees this year can compete with the incredible performances handed in by a young man in a recurring as a news reporter in the films 'It Could Happen to You,' 'City Hall,' 'Night Falls on Manhattan,' and 'Just the Ticket.' I'm sure a lifetime achievement award is just around the corner."
HEMMER: Indeed.
CAFFERTY: Those are four films that I would...
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Yes. All right, Jack. Thanks.
More AMERICAN MORNING right after this short break.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN (voice-over): Ahead on "90-Second Pop," just two days until Hollywood's biggest night, the Oscars. Will Hilary Swank and Jamie Foxx go home winners? Or is another actor poised to shock the world?
Plus, what's it going to take to win best director?
CLINT EASTWOOD, ACTOR, "MILLION DOLLAR BABY": Girlie, tough ain't enough.
O'BRIEN: Oscar predictions ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired February 25, 2005 - 08:59 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Around the world millions now praying for the pope this morning. Are those prayers being answered with positive news from the Vatican today?
From Tyler, Texas, there was panic inside the courthouse. A gunfight breaks out in the streets outside. This town now in shock after another brutal crime.
And who's got the buzz heading into Sunday night for Oscar weekend? It's prediction time for the Academy Awards. And we have ours. We'll get to them this hour on AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Welcome, everybody.
The pope's health is still the big story this morning. The Vatican saying earlier that the pope is resting comfortably, that he's eating, he is breathing on his own. It's certainly good news after his tracheotomy of yesterday. In just a few minutes we're going to talk to the editor of "Inside the Vatican" about what church leaders are telling us and maybe, more importantly, what they're not telling us today.
HEMMER: Yes, there lies a riddle, too, yes.
In a moment here also, a statewide search in Florida for this 9- year-old girl. Jessica Lunsford is her name. She disappeared Wednesday night. We'll hear for the first time from her family members this hour. A live news conference from a very small town north of Tampa in Florida coming up in a moment here.
O'BRIEN: Mr. Cafferty, good morning again.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning.
The Oscar telecast Sunday night. The "Question of the Day" is how much do you care about the Academy Awards? The e-mail address is AM@CNN.com.
O'BRIEN: Thank you.
CAFFERTY: You're welcome.
O'BRIEN: I'm just waiting to hear about Jamie Foxx from you. Anything you're going to throw in? CAFFERTY: I've got nothing.
O'BRIEN: You've got nothing else? All right. All right.
CAFFERTY: It's Friday and I'm tired.
O'BRIEN: I hear you. I hear you. All right, Jack. Thanks.
Let's get right to Carol Costello with some of the other stories that are making headlines this morning.
Good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Good morning to all of you.
"Now in the News," at least three American soldiers killed today in Iraq. The soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb went off about 20 miles northeast of Baghdad. At least six other troops were injured.
In Florida, a ruling expected later today on a new request to keep Terri Schiavo on a feeding tube for at least another 60 days. An attorney for the parents of the brain-damaged woman says a Florida agency wants to investigate allegations that Schiavo has been mistreated. Barring action from the judge, Schiavo's husband could order the removal of her feeding tube as early as today.
Mission accomplished. A missile test over the Pacific Ocean proved to be a success. The missile fired from a U.S. Navy ship off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, intercepted, and destroyed a mock warhead. The Pentagon says the test marked the fifth successful attempt out of six tries.
And in California, the big day approaches in the Michael Jackson trial. Opening statements set to begin on Monday.
Today, the judge will hear motions from both sides. Eight alternate jurors were named during a hearing yesterday. And the judge warned the panel not to get involved in the circus surrounding the case. The trial is expected to last about five months -- Bill.
HEMMER: Predictions say it will go quicker. We'll see. Thank you, Carol.
Up and down the East Coast, it's going to be a rough morning, a rough rush hour, too, for commuters. From Virginia up to Massachusetts, people now waking up to slick roads and several inches of snow.
Here in New York, crews worked overtime to stay ahead of the white mess throughout the night. Parts of D.C., parts of Virginia saw about six inches on the ground. And officials worry today about freezing roads.
Check of the weather tops our news this hour. Here's Chad Myers at the CNN Center.
(WEATHER REPORT)
You mentioned Florida. That's our next story now, Chad.
A mysterious disappearance in that state. Nine-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford has not been seen since late Wednesday night. She's 4'11" tall, weighs about 70 pounds, and has light brown hair. She was last seen wearing her pink night gown.
There is a statewide search under way now in its second day. And the sheriff in the county of Citrus is Jeff Dawsy. He explains the circumstances to us now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Sheriff, she lives with her father and grandparents in the coastal town of Homosassa. What were the circumstances surrounding her disappearance?
SHERIFF JEFF DAWSY, CITRUS COUNTY: Very unusual. The father returned home in the early morning hours of yesterday. And upon entry of the residence, the young girl was gone.
HEMMER: The father returned home around 6:00 in the morning Thursday, is that right? He was out all night with a friend?
DAWSY: Yes, he was out all night with a friend. The child was not in any harm's way. As we said, she was at residence with her grandparents. The grandparents put her to sleep around 10:00 on Wednesday evening. And when the father came in around 5:45, they noticed that Jessica was not there.
HEMMER: Have you questioned the father?
DAWSY: Well, we have questioned everybody. Nobody's a specific subject. But we had some questioning with the father, the grandfather and the grandmother yesterday throughout the day.
HEMMER: Is the father considered suspicious after being out all night?
DAWSY: No. We were able to verify his whereabouts. He was with a lady friend of his. And after verifying it, it feels that his alibi falls with the statement we received from him.
HEMMER: Why is there no Amber Alert put out for this girl?
DAWSY: Well, in talking with FDLE, there's a light difference. We don't have a car, per se, a description of the car. And we cannot prove at this particular time a valid abduction. I think as today goes on, we'll be having some conversation with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and re-review this case with them.
HEMMER: The mother, I believe, lives in Ohio, is that right? Have you talked to her? DAWSY: No. We're not sure where the mom lives. The FBI went up to Ohio the last address we had and there was no -- there was nobody at the residence. We're still having trouble locating her.
We're running down some leads in that area. But she doesn't really play an integral part in this child's life.
HEMMER: She did not leave without any shoes apparently. That's what the investigation has shown. What does that indicate to you, sheriff?
DAWSY: Well, that, and the clothes she wore, which was a nightgown, leaving the residence, just does not hold true to this young girl. This girl is very cautious about what she does. She usually does not leave the residence without telling the grandparents where she's going. And that particular time of the evening, dark, a little cool, fog I just don't believe that young girl walked out on her own fruition.
HEMMER: Your county is crime-free almost. Second lowest crime rate in the entire state of Florida.
DAWSY: That's correct.
HEMMER: Ever had a case like this in recent times, Sheriff?
DAWSY: Not in recent times. I've been in this county for 20 years as a law enforcement officer. I never remember working a case of this nature.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: The sheriff also tells us the family has been interviewed a number of times. We're waiting to hear from them now. In fact, they're approaching a microphone down there in Citrus County just outside the home.
This should be the father. His name is Mark. Let's listen and see what we can learn now.
MARK LUNSFORD, FATHER: I really -- I really need as much help as I can get right now. I just -- I want my daughter home.
If there's anybody that anybody knows, there's a lot of numbers that you can call. And I just ask you to please help me find my daughter and bring her home.
Do you want to say anything, mom?
RUTH LUNSFORD, GRANDMOTHER: Whoever is out there that knows anything about Jesse, I'm her grandmother. And this is her grandfather and her daddy. We all live together in a very knit family.
And if you know anything at all where she might be or who she communicated with, anything, please let the authorities know. We need her home, and she needs us. Thank you.
ARCHIE LUNSFORD, GRANDFATHER: I'm Archie Lunsford, the grandfather. I just want to know where she's at, know that she's safe, see her back home.
QUESTION: Mark, can we ask you some questions?
M. LUNSFORD: Ys, sir.
QUESTION: Tell us, what's Jessica's mom's name and where does she live? And has she been part of this at all?
M. LUNSFORD: Oh, as far as her mother, that's just a long, drawn-out story. She's been with me since she was a year old. And there's not much more to say about it than that.
QUESTION: She hasn't been in touch?
M. LUNSFORD: A couple of times she has, you know. For what reasons -- they don't have contact with each other -- I wouldn't know. But her mother's name is Angela. Her maiden name is Wright (ph). Her last known whereabouts that I know of was in the area of -- I believe it was Pleasant Plain, Ohio. And that's all I know about Angie.
QUESTION: You have told police you came home about 5:45 yesterday morning, the front door was unlocked and your daughter was gone.
M. LUNSFORD: Yes. When I began my search, that's when I found that the front door was unlocked.
QUESTION: And where were you out the night before?
M. LUNSFORD: The night before I had spent the night with a friend. And I came, you know, to get ready for work. And I came in the door and her alarm clock was going off, which we know Jesse does that. She gets up on her own and she makes sure everybody else gets up.
And I went to my room, I changed my clothes, got ready for work. Her alarm clock is still going off. And when I opened her door to her room she wasn't there. And I just don't know where she's at, and I want her home.
QUESTION: Are you convinced at this point that no other family member had anything to do with your daughter's disappearance?
M. LUNSFORD: I've always been convinced that no family member has anything to do with this.
QUESTION: Mark, what would you want somebody to know about your daughter, as far as if they saw her, see her? What would you want them to know? What would they be looking for?
M. LUNSFORD: I mean, she's just like any other child. She's innocent. And she just needs to be home like any other child with her family.
QUESTION: To the grandparents, the last time you saw her was when she was put to bed that night after a prayer meeting?
R. LUNSFORD: She had gone to church, which was regular for her on Wednesday night, a kid's thing at church. And when she come home, she had done the normal thing. She got her snack, she took a shower, she went to bed at 10:00.
I'm laying on the bed. And she says, "Come on, grandma." And I said, "OK." And she said, "Come on, you've got to put me to bed."
I mean, I always put her to bed. So I went in there and I put her to bed.
QUESTION: What was the last thing you said to her?
R. LUNSFORD: "I love you." And then she said it to me. She always expresses her love.
QUESTION: Mrs. Lunsford, what do you think it's going to take to bring her back?
R. LUNSFORD: Prayer. That's the key, prayer, a lot of people praying. A lot of people taking it serious. And if they see a child out here, whether it looks like her or not, and they're roaming around, call the authorities and let them handle it.
QUESTION: Now, you all were home at the time. Did you see or hear anything unusual, any strange cars in the area or anything like that?
R. LUNSFORD: And our bedroom is right at the front. So we hear anything that would come in the driveway or anything.
QUESTION: And it would be totally out of her character to just wander off in the middle of the night?
R. LUNSFORD: She wouldn't go nowhere without consulting us. She'd come down here -- she has a playmate that lives down this way. And she would say, "Can I go?" And 30 minutes -- she'll be home in less than 30 minutes.
She won't go off on her bicycle, she will not go down towards Cardinal. She takes the dog for a walk, but I can look out the porch and see her.
She just doesn't go off nowhere. She doesn't -- doesn't roam. She's not -- she's a friendly child, but yet she has -- I call it a little backwards trend.
And she's very smart. She's very well mannered. And she's a beautiful child.
When god made -- when god made Jesse, he made an angel. And we've always called her "Princess." I know she's out there. I hope she can hear us. And whoever has got her, whatever it is, if somebody's got her, or they know she's laying over here or what, she needs to be with her family.
QUESTION: Mark, if someone did kidnap your daughter, and they're watching this right now on TV, you'd step up to the podium and what would you say to them?
M. LUNSFORD: I don't care who you are. Drop her off on the corner and call me. I'll come get her. I don't care.
She just needs to be home. And we can't do it without your guys' support. I need all the media I can get.
I need everyone that's listening and that sees this. I need your help. I know nobody knows anybody. But when things like this happen, the children don't come home if we all don't work together.
And I really need you. I just plead with you to please help me find my daughter.
HEMMER: We've been listening to the family members, the grandmother, the grandfather, Ruth and Archie Lunsford, and the father, Mark lunsford. Here is the story as we understand it.
Late Wednesday night around 10:00 local time in the small town of Homosassa Florida, which is about 75 miles north of Tampa, Florida, near the Gulf Coast there, Jessica was put to bed around 10:00. She has not been seen since.
She's described as 4'10" tall, weighing about 70 pounds. She has brown shoulder-length hair.
Was she abducted? Did she run away in the middle of the night? There are no clear answers at this point. But again, we're following this story out of Homosassa, Florida, a small town with the second lowest crime rate in the entire state.
Back to that story as we get more throughout the morning here -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Our other top story this morning, of course, the condition, the health condition of the pope. Vatican officials sharing some new details on the surgery and the recovery of Pope John Paul II. Are they telling us everything they know? A closer look at that ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
We're back in a moment.
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HEMMER: From the Vatican today, new details on the condition of the pope. The 84-year-old pontiff recovering now after surgery yesterday. A tracheotomy to relieve what was described as a breathing crisis, that brought on by a recurrence of flu-like symptoms for which the pope was hospitalized earlier this month. Now, the Vatican reports the pope is breathing on his own without the aid of a respirator, but doctors have advised the pope to avoid talking at least for a few days. We are told that is normal.
And Robert Moynihan is editor of "Inside the Vatican," my guest now down in D.C.
Robert, good morning. Nice to chat with you here.
ROBERT MOYNIHAN, EDITOR, "INSIDE THE VATICAN": Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: All the news from the Vatican is positive. Does that surprise you in any way? Would we know otherwise?
MOYNIHAN: The Vatican is an enormous institution in the sense that it directs the spiritual lives of a billion people, one-sixth of the planet. So they try to keep things calm. And we wouldn't expect alarming statements.
The facts are that he's been twice in the hospital in a month, and he's 84 years old. He's had two cases of the flu, and so he's weak. The fact that he can't speak for a few days means that he could have a chance now to recover.
People have told me in Rome that he worked too hard during the middle part of February when he was recovering. He stayed up late reading, even against doctors' instructions. So he's a man with a very clear mind, strong will, but his body is getting weak. If he can make it through these next few weeks into the springtime, he should have good breathing.
HEMMER: I think there are a couple of very interesting things you've said over the past 24 hours. One of them is this: there is a clear sign and indication one can look for in Vatican City in the event the pope has died. What is that signal, Robert?
MOYNIHAN: There's an old tradition that the portono de bronzo (ph), the bronze doors, these are very tall doors right at the right side of St. Peter's Square at the end of Bernini's colonnade. If one of the doors closes, the pope has died.
HEMMER: And that would be before there was any official announcement from the Vatican?
MOYNIHAN: At times this happens before any official announcement.
HEMMER: Yes. The one thing we're picking up with Ray Flynn (ph) and yourself is that there is no clear successor to this pope. Is that surprising in any way? If you go back to 1978, who knew that a Polish man would be the next pope, when you go back over 450 years, when it was only Italians in that position.
MOYNIHAN: Exactly. In fact, in 1978, the crowd was so stunned when Wojtyla's name was announced that there was just a little bit of clapping. And people were saying, "Who is that? Is it an African?"
He wasn't even among the list of about 30 names of cardinals that had been suggest to the press as possible candidates. So no one expected him. And it's often said that whoever goes into a conclave, which is the meeting to elect the next pope, whoever goes in as a pope will come out as a cardinal.
HEMMER: Thank you, Robert. Good to talk to you.
Robert Moynihan down there in D.C. And we'll get the next official statement from the Vatican Monday morning.
Nice to chat with you.
Here's Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Well, the offensive is over for now. Did the president's five-day trip across Europe pay off? A look at that's up next on AMERICAN MORNING.
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O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody.
Two days until the Academy Awards, and the frenzy over who is wearing what and who is going home with the golden statue is pretty much widespread. CNN entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas in Los Angeles in front of the Kodak Theatre.
And look, they've already rolled out the red carpet for you, Sibila.
SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: They certainly have. I couldn't wait.
You know, it's official. The countdown has begun for the 77th annual Academy Awards.
Not sure who the big winners are going to be, but I'll tell you one thing. With 11 nominations, it seems like the sky's the limit for "The Aviator."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VARGAS (voice-over): The story at the Oscars may come down to this: does "The Aviator" fly high or crash and burn? It's the most nominated film of the year, with 11 total, including one for lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio and another for supporting actress Cate Blanchett.
CATE BLANCHETT, ACTRESS: I was terrified when I sort of embarked on the journey of it. I'm so thrilled.
VARGAS: "The Aviator" could bring Martin Scorsese his first directing Oscar in five rice.
MARTIN SCORSESE, DIRECTOR: I would like to win. I would like the film to get some awards.
HILARY SWANK, ACTRESS, "MILLION DOLLAR BABY": I know if you train me right, I'm going to be a champ.
VARGAS: If "The Aviator" goes down, it will probably be at the hands or fists of "Million Dollar Baby." The boxing drama is up for best picture and best director, Clint Eastwood. He even directed himself to an acting nomination, along with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Hilary Swank.
SWANK: He is, you know, such a special, special person, and obviously such a talent. He's amazing.
VARGAS: Swank finds herself competing for best actress once again with Annette Bening, star of "Being Julia." They squared off five years ago, with Swank prevailing for "Boys Don't Cry" over "American Beauty" Bening.
The safest bet for an Oscar this year may be Jamie Foxx for his lead role in "Ray." He powers into the Oscars having snagged the SAG Award and a Golden Globe.
JAMIE FOXX, ACTOR: It's just a beautiful -- a beautiful time.
VARGAS: Foxx is also nominated in the supporting category for "Collateral." His two nominations in a single year are a first for an African-American actor.
It was a good year all the way around for acters of color. For the first time, they're represented in every acting category. That includes young Latina actress Catalina Sandino Moreno, who earned a best actress nomination for "Maria Full of Grace." She wasn't expecting it.
CATALINA SANDINO MORENO, ACTRESS: Never, never, never, ever, ever in my dreams, ever.
VARGAS: That's Oscar for you, the stuff dreams are made of.
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VARGAS: And a lot of dreams will come true this weekend at the 77th annual Academy Awards. Don't forget to watch it this Sunday. And don't forget to watch us on CNN at 7:00 p.m. Eastern for our Oscar pre-show -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: We will not forget it. All right. Sibila, thanks.
Also, folks can join me Monday morning for a special edition, an Oscar edition of "90-Second Pop" straight from L.A. We're going to take a look at the winners and the losers. And, of course, the red carpet fashions and much, much more.
HEMMER: That red carpet looked burgundy in that morning light. Did it not?
O'BRIEN: A little more light.
HEMMER: We'll see it Sunday night.
Here's Jack now, the "Question of the Day," similar topic.
CAFFERTY: The question is, how much do you care about the Academy Awards?
Tina, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, "I happen to be very excited about the Oscars this Sunday. In my family, we're all movie buffs. In fact, we have a big party planned for Sunday."
Matthew in Del Tona, Florida, "Remember the Oscars handed out four of their bowling trophies to Kate Hepburn, not the greatest of talents, and never even nominated Edward G. Robinson. How can you possibly take them seriously?"
Suzi writes from Sheffield Lake, Ohio, "I have to admit, I enjoy watching the Oscars. It is certainly not the best of the awards shows. However, I enjoy seeing the stars in their outfits. It's been an annual event for me for years. My husband suffers through it."
And Jeff writes from Washington, "Jack, none of the nominees this year can compete with the incredible performances handed in by a young man in a recurring as a news reporter in the films 'It Could Happen to You,' 'City Hall,' 'Night Falls on Manhattan,' and 'Just the Ticket.' I'm sure a lifetime achievement award is just around the corner."
HEMMER: Indeed.
CAFFERTY: Those are four films that I would...
HEMMER: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Yes. All right, Jack. Thanks.
More AMERICAN MORNING right after this short break.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN (voice-over): Ahead on "90-Second Pop," just two days until Hollywood's biggest night, the Oscars. Will Hilary Swank and Jamie Foxx go home winners? Or is another actor poised to shock the world?
Plus, what's it going to take to win best director?
CLINT EASTWOOD, ACTOR, "MILLION DOLLAR BABY": Girlie, tough ain't enough.
O'BRIEN: Oscar predictions ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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