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CNN Live Today
Missing Bride-to-Be Case; Michael Jackson Trial; 'Daily Dose'
Aired April 28, 2005 - 11:00 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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We have breaking news coming out of Duluth, Georgia, the latest on the search for the missing bride. Let's go ahead and listen in.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
CHIEF RANDY BELCHER, DULUTH, GEORGIA, POLICE: ... that night. At that point we began just a small search of the area to make sure that she wasn't injured or anything of that nature. We were unable to locate anything.
Yesterday, we did an all-out search throughout the city for Ms. Wilbanks. We -- we probably searched approximately five square miles with over 250 volunteers, law enforcement and civilian. We were unable to locate much of anything at that point in time. We were unable to locate Ms. Wilbanks as well.
At that point, we still had no indication that a crime has been committed. At this point, we still have no indication that a crime has been committed. But we are treating it as a criminal investigation as of now -- actually, as of last night.
We were not going to continue the search today. But at approximately 2:00 last night I decided that we would extend our search area. And there are several areas, after speaking to my investigators, that we were going to research using law enforcement personnel only. So we have several areas today that we are going to start searching.
We are setting up the command center right now at Ingles on Pleasant Hill Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Our goal is still to look for her, gather any evidence or any information that anyone may have that can assist us in this investigation.
We do have some bloodhounds coming in. And we will be using dogs to attempt to pick up her trail and see where that may lead us. So...
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Yes, ma'am, we had canines yesterday. We had three canines yesterday.
A bloodhound is more efficient at tracking individuals. And actually, a bloodhound can track people even in an area that has already been contaminated by other people. So it's just another tool that we are going to attempt to use to try to locate a trail and see what we can find. QUESTION: Chief, what new evidence made you decide to go ahead with today's search and extend to other areas?
BELCHER: There really was no new evidence to do this. I was thinking of the search pattern that we did use yesterday. We were trying to search areas in which we thought that she was going to run in.
We understand now that she -- she possibly is a marathon runner. So based on that information, we are going to extend the search area out from where we searched yesterday.
QUESTION: Chief, does she have a usual route that she took? Were you able to get any evidence or indication from family members where she may have been?
BELCHER: No, that's one of the problems with this, is she didn't have a usual route. So, you know, we really didn't have one area that we could go concentrate on. That's why we expanded it yesterday. We're going to expand it again today.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: At this point, we are not sure what we have. We are just doing the investigation. We are going to treat it as a criminal investigation simply for the fact she hasn't shown up yet.
QUESTION: Can you confirm that she did indicate (INAUDIBLE), that she had told someone in general which way she was going to be running?
BELCHER: I can't confirm that. Her fiance is also a runner. But he's not a marathon runner.
And I guess through their talking of each other -- to each other, you know, he was able to say that, you know, some occasions she'll take this route, other occasions she'll take this route. We do know that she was wanting to increase her distance. And that could make the search a little bit more difficult. Not knowing exactly which direction she went in, we don't really know how far to search out.
QUESTION: Sir, were there any divers involved and will there be any divers involved (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: At this point we don't have any indication that we need to have divers involved. We had two Department of Natural Resource officers out, along with Gwinnett County Swift Water Rescue yesterday. They searched the river banks for quite a distance both north and south of the city. And at this point we have no indication that she was even near the Chattahoochee River.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: No. I mean, we really have no suspects at this time. We are just doing the normal investigation. You know, we are looking at sex offenders that live in this area. You know, just -- we are just trying to gather information at this point. We really have nothing at this point.
QUESTION: How many sex offenders are there?
BELCHER: I believe there's approximately five around the Duluth area.
QUESTION: Chief, have you given any lie detector tests at this point this morning?
BELCHER: Not at this point.
QUESTION: You said there are no suspects. What about persons of interest?
BELCHER: Persons of interest? We have nothing.
I mean, this -- this is just a case where a lady went and jogged and just didn't come back. And nobody has seen her.
Of course from your telecast, we get information from everybody. I mean, everybody sees her now. Now that they've seen her picture and heard that she hasn't returned home, everybody has called us and says, "Well, I saw her here," and "I saw her there."
You know, those are just the normal procedures now that we are trying to investigate. We have the FBI, the GBI assisting us in those investigations.
QUESTION: Chief, have you turned any of these tips over to GBI or FBI?
BELCHER: Yes, sir. As I said, we have them with us now, working with us. And the out-of-state tips are being handled by the FBI. The tips outside of the city of Duluth are being handled by the GBI.
QUESTION: How cooperative would you characterize the family?
BELCHER: The family is being very cooperative at this time.
QUESTION: Can you elaborate on any out-of-state tips that you may be getting?
BELCHER: It's typical tips. Any time you have anything like this, you get the calls, that "I saw her at a gas station." You know.
So, I mean, we've gotten tips out as far as California that she was in a gas station. So, I mean, that's just the kind of stuff you get.
QUESTION: Is there anybody from her past (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Yes, that's what we are trying to investigate now, is, you know, friends, past friends, co-workers, things of that nature. The normal investigative steps that we can take is what we are doing currently.
QUESTION: Had she ever been engaged or married before?
BELCHER: That I do not know.
QUESTION: Chief, these missing persons cases can be really kind of -- especially involving adults, very baffling for investigators. And manpower-intensive as well.
What is your level of frustration and the level of frustration among the investigators dealing with a case that you really seemingly have nothing (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Well, it's very frustrating. It's frustrating not only for us, but also for the family not knowing what happened.
And, you know, I mean, this is -- this is a typical case. A lot of times when we have children missing, or we have someone with Alzheimer's that has walked away from a home, this is just a typical investigation. And then these cases are all frustrating for everybody involved.
QUESTION: Have you had any confirmed sightings of her after her fiance...
BELCHER: No. No. We have nothing confirmed once she left her home Tuesday.
QUESTION: Could you just describe weather conditions at approximately 8:30 last night? Was it still (INAUDIBLE) or clouds?
BELCHER: I was at -- Tuesday night it was cloudy. Some areas outside of the city there was rain. But inside the city limits itself we know that there was no rain at all Tuesday night in the city.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE) laptop. Are you examining her e-mail, his e-mail? Have you accounted for all of her credit cards, debit cards?
BELCHER: The investigators are working on that.
QUESTION: We understand she had headphones and was she was listening to music when she was (INAUDIBLE). Is that right? And, if so, have you looked into the possibility of maybe a car coming up on her and hitting her (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: We've -- of course we've -- that's one of the first things you do any time you have a missing person, is you check the hospitals, emergency rooms. And there is no indication that she has been admitted to a hospital.
QUESTION: You have no physical evidence along her route?
BELCHER: We really have nothing that we can point at this point.
QUESTION: Chief, how many officers are you dedicating to (INAUDIBLE)? Are you dedicating your entire department (INAUDIBLE)? BELCHER: I don't have an exact figure. We have law enforcement officers the same as we did yesterday from Gainesville, Hull County (ph), Gwinnett County, and also Duluth.
There were approximately probably 150 law enforcement personnel here yesterday. And there will probably be close to 100 personnel here today.
QUESTION: How long did it take for (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: That I could not answer. I have no idea.
QUESTION: Do you find it (INAUDIBLE) that nobody saw her in a well-traveled road (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Well, we're not sure that nobody saw her. I mean, we are getting a lot of indications that they saw her jogging.
I mean, she was a common sight, from my understanding. So, you know, the problem is, did they actually see her that night, or did they think they saw her that night because they have seen her so many times before? So...
QUESTION: It seems to be everyone's feeling she didn't get cold feet and leave on her own. But are you ruling out totally that she didn't just leave?
BELCHER: No, sir. We are not ruling that out. You know?
I mean, that's -- that's a very good possibility that she did get cold feet and run off. You know, how many husbands have gone out to get a pack of cigarettes and never came back home? So, I mean, that is common.
Thank you very much.
KAGAN: We've been listening into a news conference. This is Duluth, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. The latest, which is not a lot, on this missing bride, Jennifer Wilbanks.
She left her house on Tuesday night to go jogging. Her wedding was set for Saturday. The family, the fiance, the parents say there's no way this is a case of cold feet.
A huge wedding was planned on Saturday. It has now been postponed.
Jennifer Wilbanks, you see her description there, 5'8". She weighs 120 pounds.
The police chief of Duluth, Georgia, there saying they are coming to realize that she was a marathon runner and that she was trying to increase her distance. So perhaps her route was a little bit farther out.
So they have made the decision to extend the search in a wider area. But at this time, they have called it a criminal investigation just because there is no indication that she would have left on her own.
But there is very little information to go on at this point. No specific information for evidence that foul play was involved here.
Our Sarah Dorsey is in Duluth. We're going to work on getting her up and talking to her in a little bit. And she will be talking to that police chief as well. More on the case of missing bride Jennifer Wilbanks just ahead.
Meanwhile, let's move on to our other top story of the hour. And that happens to be the Michael Jackson trial.
She did not follow the script, Michael Jackson's or the prosecutor's. We're talking about the ex-wife here, Debbie Rowe. She returns to the stand in just a few minutes, and she says nobody tells her what to say.
Our Ted Rowlands tells us why Rowe's testimony for the prosecution may have actually boosted the singer's defense.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT : Debbie Rowe is expected back on the stand when court resumes. She has surprised many with her testimony thus far.
She has been on the stand for about 40 minutes. And she has contradicted what prosecutors had said in their opening statements to the jury.
Prosecutors had maintained that Debbie Rowe was told what to say during the videotaping of an interview for Michael Jackson. Rowe got on the stand, however, and adamantly denied that she was coached or told what to say at all, saying that "Nobody tells me what to say." This seems to fly in the face of what prosecutors told jurors she would say when taking the stand.
She did say that Michael Jackson himself called her and urged her to take part in this video, which prosecutors said she would do. And she's the first person to actually tie Jackson into the production of this video.
This video is important because it's at the core of the conspiracy case against Michael Jackson. The accuser's mother says that she was coerced in her videotaped interview. Debbie Rowe, however, saying she did it on her own.
Rowe is expected back on the stand when court resumes. Following her testimony we expect to hear from her attorney, who was also present when the videotaping occurred.
Ted Rowlands, CNN, Santa Maria, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE) KAGAN: We're going to get more on the Michael Jackson case and talk to our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey, in just a minute. But first, let's go back to Duluth, Georgia, for the latest on the search for the missing bride.
And here's Sarah Dorsey -- Sarah.
SARAH DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, in this press conference, Duluth Police Chief Randy Belcher did give us a little new information. Yesterday, we were told the search for Jennifer Wilbanks was actually going to be called off because they had covered a five- square-mile area around the home that she shared with her fiance, that home that she left Tuesday evening to go jogging.
We have now learned that because she is a marathon runner and possibly she could have run further than police first understood, they've decided to move -- excuse me -- move that search grid out a little bit and also bring in bloodhounds.
Now, we asked the question in the press conference, why are the bloodhounds significant? Because canines were brought in immediately after she disappeared, and because police say it was so windy on Tuesday evening, those canines didn't pick up any kind of scent.
He tells us, though, the police chief, that these bloodhounds possibly could pick up a scent that canines could not. So possibly that will turn up something.
But really, in the press conference, what we learned is that police are appealing to anyone who possibly knows anything about Jennifer's whereabouts and her disappearance to give them a call. They tell us that people did say they spotted her jogging. But the police chief says, did they really see her that night, or are they just recalling seeing her at a different time because she ran around this area so much? That's a question that they are struggling with.
I can tell you that they told us this morning the FBI is involved now. They are looking into tips coming from other states.
Also here, however, law enforcement officials out here are telling us so far those leads aren't leading them to anything really significant. And you heard that in this press conference.
The bloodhounds, again, will be something new. But other than that, we know that she disappeared.
Jennifer disappeared Tuesday evening after taking a jog. This was something she didn't normally do, but -- or she did normally do, rather. But her disappearance is what is unique.
They have no idea where she is at this point. Her car keys, diamond ring, money and cell phone were all left in that house that she shares with her fiance -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Sarah, I thought it was interesting they were talking about extending the search area. Because with talking with the family, she's a marathoner runner. She's trying to increase her distance. So perhaps the short area they thought she was going to be around, actually they needed to go a little bit further.
DORSEY: Yes, that's basically what they're saying. They also sent some people into the Chattahoochee Rivers to check the banks.
The police chief told us they didn't have any reason to believe that she was near the Chattahoochee River, but they were going to cover those bases. Nothing came out of that. So they're going to go further now. They told us today to see if there's anything that they possibly could have missed in that closer search to the home.
KAGAN: A very worried family looking for any information. Sarah Dorsey from Duluth, Georgia. Thank you.
We have a lot of other news developing on this Thursday morning, and we'll get to that after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's get back to the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. Cardinal rule of lawyering, you don't put a witness on the stand unless you know what the person is going to say.
Debbie Rowe, the ex-wife, was on the stand yesterday. She comes back today. Could her testimony be the biggest blunder yet for the prosecution?
Kendall Coffey joining us now from Miami. He's a former U.S. attorney and frequently helps us out with all this legal stuff.
Kendall, good morning.
KENDALL COFFEY, FMR. U.S. ATTORNEY: Hey, good morning, Daryn.
KAGAN: Debbie Rowe, does her testimony hurt the prosecution, help the defense? How do you see it?
COFFEY: Well, it hurts the prosecution. They said specifically in opening statement that Debbie Rowe was going to get on and say that this was carefully scripted -- we're talking about Michael Jackson's wonderful video -- just like it was carefully scripted for the alleged victim's mom.
What does she do? She gets on the stand and says, no, it wasn't scripted at all, I would never been told what to say. So big credibility hit to the prosecution. And sometimes lack of credibility is a contagious virus that can carry over to other parts of the prosecution's case.
KAGAN: But she did also say that the things that she said on that video weren't true, like standing up for his parenting and such.
COFFEY: Absolutely. It was a -- it was a mixed bag. But why take the risk? Because, let's face it, even if she had been damaging to Michael Jackson, she could always be downplayed by the defense as a bitter ex- wife. And so, under any scenario, it was a lot of risk that the prosecution didn't take to take for minimal gain.
KAGAN: We're getting close to the end of the prosecution's case. What's left for them to do?
COFFEY: Well, they are clearly in wrap-up mode. I think they had thought Debbie Rowe might be one of their stars. You always want to begin a case with your best witnesses, end with one of your best witnesses. So I think it's definitely in wrap-up mode.
Now the key question for the defense team for Michael Jackson is, how deep in the hole are they and do they need to consider putting Michael Jackson on the stand?
KAGAN: Which is my question. If you're on their team, do you do that?
COFFEY: I think that right now they're going to probably have to do it.
KAGAN: Really?
COFFEY: Real hard to say.
KAGAN: Kendall, he can't even walk in that courtroom most days.
COFFEY: There's plenty -- well, he's -- he's a very strange guy.
KAGAN: Which is not a crime.
COFFEY: It's not a crime. And there are -- but there are so many things that have got to be very troubling for the jury.
The prosecution has made plenty of stumbling and bumbling in this case, Daryn. But they've also put on a pretty compelling amount of indication that there been kids that have been set up to be molested at Neverland Ranch.
KAGAN: Kendall, let me just jump in here, because we are showing live pictures of Santa Maria, California. The Suburban, black Suburban pulling up, as it does each day, carrying Michael Jackson. So we will keep these pictures up as we continue our conversation.
You were making the point that the things that the defense needs to clear up for the jury if Michael Jackson is to walk away from these charges.
COFFEY: And maybe they can do it without Michael Jackson's testimony, which, as you pointed out, would surely be preferable to putting that kind of a strange guy in front of a jury. But what they've got to do is explain what was going on here when that strange kind of setup, where seemingly he would isolate young boys, and then, according to some testimony that's come through on at least two, three, four occasions, perform some events of molestation or sex abuse to the young boys.
Something's got to be explained about this whole weird setup that Michael Jackson had with very vulnerable children.
KAGAN: Well, and it's -- how the trial has unfolded, those questions would not just be about with this latest accuser, but the long string of former charges and accusations that have been allowed to be entered into this trial.
COFFEY: And those are some of the toughest things. Even though Michael Jackson is not on trial for what happened 1993, that kind of testimony doesn't really have a motive as to why you shouldn't believe it.
With the current accuser, Jackson's defense team has pointed out they may be all about money, trying to turn Michael Jackson into this giant ATM machine, accusing the alleged victim's mom of being a schemer and a scammer. But what about the past alleged victims? What is going to be their motive for lying? And I think, in many ways, that is the most damaging testimony that's come forth about Michael Jackson.
KAGAN: It will be interesting to watch. Kendall Coffey joining us from Miami as we watch the live pictures from Santa Maria.
Thank you, Kendall.
COFFEY: Hey, thanks, Daryn.
KAGAN: And we're going to talk ahead about what the Senate is doing to avoid a standoff over judicial nominees. A live report from Washington, D.C.
Also, it ain't easy being green. Why Peruvian police had to pull out all the stops to save these frogs.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: The parents of quintuplets born by a surrogate mother are praising the woman for her act of generosity. Teresa Anderson gave birth to the five boys by cesarean section on Tuesday. We showed you the delivery room pictures yesterday.
The parents say Anders was an answer to their prayers that they could have a family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ENRIQUE MORENO, FATHER OF QUINTUPLETS: She's a miracle to us. She is a gift from god.
LUISA GONZALEZ, MOTHER OF QUINTUPLETS: Well, now I can say thank you. And she is angel that god sent to us, and do all this for us. This is an angel.
(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: The doctors say the smallest baby may have to have surgery as early as next week to fix a heart defect. The four other boys are expected to go home from the hospital in about three weeks.
When it comes to taking medication, consumers are often turning to a patch instead of the pill or a painful shot. Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen here to talk about patching up on your way to health.
Good morning.
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: It's very exciting, Daryn, because this is very convenient. You just put on a patch instead of taking a pill.
KAGAN: And you don't have to remember.
COHEN: You don't have to remember, right. Some people actually leave them on. You can leave them on for days, sometimes even up to a week.
There are patches now out there for high blood pressure, for heart disease, for pain relief. There are 12 patches that are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Let's take a look at how they work. You put the patch on, as you see here. And the medicine goes through your pores into the bloodstream.
Now, there is certain advantages and disadvantages. One is quick bloodstream delivery. It goes right there. Steady medication release over the course of hours or days, or even a week. It's not one big jump in medication at a time.
It's very steady. And fewer potential side-effects. It doesn't go through your gastrointestinal system, so there are fewer stomach and liver side-effects.
Now, the disadvantages are that sometimes these can give some people a rash or a skin irritation. And there are dose variations for heavier people.
In other words, heavier people might need a higher dose. That's hard to do a higher does with a patch.
Also, if it's not applied properly you can have dosage problems. Some people don't put it on right, or they put it on, and when they are supposed to put on the new patch, they forget to take off the old patch, which is a problem.
KAGAN: Oh, that's not good, yes.
COHEN: You're getting too many medications. But, in general, these have really been quite successful with a lot of different medications.
KAGAN: So if they are so good, why aren't they even used with even more medications?
COHEN: It has to do with molecules.
KAGAN: I was just thinking that the other day. It's all about the molecules.
COHEN: It's all about the molecules.
KAGAN: Exactly.
COHEN: There are some medicines where the molecules are just simply too big. For example, it would really make a lot of sense for diabetics to be able to use an insulin patch.
KAGAN: Sure.
COHEN: Because they need it all the time. But that molecule is just too big. It wouldn't get through the pores, it wouldn't get into the bloodstream.
So, actually, one company has -- is trying to develop this patch, where these little needles, they're just the size of a hair, that would actually go into your skin so that those big molecules could fit in. It's not on the market yet, but that's what they're trying to do.
KAGAN: They're working on it.
COHEN: They're working on it.
KAGAN: And when it's out there, you'll be here telling us about it.
COHEN: Oh, I bet we will be.
KAGAN: Thank you, Elizabeth.
To get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, log on to our Web site. You'll find the latest medical news, a health library, and information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.
We are getting close to lunchtime. You don't have to tell my stomach that. So what are you having? How does a frog shake sound?
Yes, we're talking real frogs. Who would do that? Who would put the froggy in the blender? No, bad idea. We're going to talk about what's being done about that just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired April 28, 2005 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We have breaking news coming out of Duluth, Georgia, the latest on the search for the missing bride. Let's go ahead and listen in.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
CHIEF RANDY BELCHER, DULUTH, GEORGIA, POLICE: ... that night. At that point we began just a small search of the area to make sure that she wasn't injured or anything of that nature. We were unable to locate anything.
Yesterday, we did an all-out search throughout the city for Ms. Wilbanks. We -- we probably searched approximately five square miles with over 250 volunteers, law enforcement and civilian. We were unable to locate much of anything at that point in time. We were unable to locate Ms. Wilbanks as well.
At that point, we still had no indication that a crime has been committed. At this point, we still have no indication that a crime has been committed. But we are treating it as a criminal investigation as of now -- actually, as of last night.
We were not going to continue the search today. But at approximately 2:00 last night I decided that we would extend our search area. And there are several areas, after speaking to my investigators, that we were going to research using law enforcement personnel only. So we have several areas today that we are going to start searching.
We are setting up the command center right now at Ingles on Pleasant Hill Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Our goal is still to look for her, gather any evidence or any information that anyone may have that can assist us in this investigation.
We do have some bloodhounds coming in. And we will be using dogs to attempt to pick up her trail and see where that may lead us. So...
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Yes, ma'am, we had canines yesterday. We had three canines yesterday.
A bloodhound is more efficient at tracking individuals. And actually, a bloodhound can track people even in an area that has already been contaminated by other people. So it's just another tool that we are going to attempt to use to try to locate a trail and see what we can find. QUESTION: Chief, what new evidence made you decide to go ahead with today's search and extend to other areas?
BELCHER: There really was no new evidence to do this. I was thinking of the search pattern that we did use yesterday. We were trying to search areas in which we thought that she was going to run in.
We understand now that she -- she possibly is a marathon runner. So based on that information, we are going to extend the search area out from where we searched yesterday.
QUESTION: Chief, does she have a usual route that she took? Were you able to get any evidence or indication from family members where she may have been?
BELCHER: No, that's one of the problems with this, is she didn't have a usual route. So, you know, we really didn't have one area that we could go concentrate on. That's why we expanded it yesterday. We're going to expand it again today.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: At this point, we are not sure what we have. We are just doing the investigation. We are going to treat it as a criminal investigation simply for the fact she hasn't shown up yet.
QUESTION: Can you confirm that she did indicate (INAUDIBLE), that she had told someone in general which way she was going to be running?
BELCHER: I can't confirm that. Her fiance is also a runner. But he's not a marathon runner.
And I guess through their talking of each other -- to each other, you know, he was able to say that, you know, some occasions she'll take this route, other occasions she'll take this route. We do know that she was wanting to increase her distance. And that could make the search a little bit more difficult. Not knowing exactly which direction she went in, we don't really know how far to search out.
QUESTION: Sir, were there any divers involved and will there be any divers involved (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: At this point we don't have any indication that we need to have divers involved. We had two Department of Natural Resource officers out, along with Gwinnett County Swift Water Rescue yesterday. They searched the river banks for quite a distance both north and south of the city. And at this point we have no indication that she was even near the Chattahoochee River.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: No. I mean, we really have no suspects at this time. We are just doing the normal investigation. You know, we are looking at sex offenders that live in this area. You know, just -- we are just trying to gather information at this point. We really have nothing at this point.
QUESTION: How many sex offenders are there?
BELCHER: I believe there's approximately five around the Duluth area.
QUESTION: Chief, have you given any lie detector tests at this point this morning?
BELCHER: Not at this point.
QUESTION: You said there are no suspects. What about persons of interest?
BELCHER: Persons of interest? We have nothing.
I mean, this -- this is just a case where a lady went and jogged and just didn't come back. And nobody has seen her.
Of course from your telecast, we get information from everybody. I mean, everybody sees her now. Now that they've seen her picture and heard that she hasn't returned home, everybody has called us and says, "Well, I saw her here," and "I saw her there."
You know, those are just the normal procedures now that we are trying to investigate. We have the FBI, the GBI assisting us in those investigations.
QUESTION: Chief, have you turned any of these tips over to GBI or FBI?
BELCHER: Yes, sir. As I said, we have them with us now, working with us. And the out-of-state tips are being handled by the FBI. The tips outside of the city of Duluth are being handled by the GBI.
QUESTION: How cooperative would you characterize the family?
BELCHER: The family is being very cooperative at this time.
QUESTION: Can you elaborate on any out-of-state tips that you may be getting?
BELCHER: It's typical tips. Any time you have anything like this, you get the calls, that "I saw her at a gas station." You know.
So, I mean, we've gotten tips out as far as California that she was in a gas station. So, I mean, that's just the kind of stuff you get.
QUESTION: Is there anybody from her past (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Yes, that's what we are trying to investigate now, is, you know, friends, past friends, co-workers, things of that nature. The normal investigative steps that we can take is what we are doing currently.
QUESTION: Had she ever been engaged or married before?
BELCHER: That I do not know.
QUESTION: Chief, these missing persons cases can be really kind of -- especially involving adults, very baffling for investigators. And manpower-intensive as well.
What is your level of frustration and the level of frustration among the investigators dealing with a case that you really seemingly have nothing (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Well, it's very frustrating. It's frustrating not only for us, but also for the family not knowing what happened.
And, you know, I mean, this is -- this is a typical case. A lot of times when we have children missing, or we have someone with Alzheimer's that has walked away from a home, this is just a typical investigation. And then these cases are all frustrating for everybody involved.
QUESTION: Have you had any confirmed sightings of her after her fiance...
BELCHER: No. No. We have nothing confirmed once she left her home Tuesday.
QUESTION: Could you just describe weather conditions at approximately 8:30 last night? Was it still (INAUDIBLE) or clouds?
BELCHER: I was at -- Tuesday night it was cloudy. Some areas outside of the city there was rain. But inside the city limits itself we know that there was no rain at all Tuesday night in the city.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE) laptop. Are you examining her e-mail, his e-mail? Have you accounted for all of her credit cards, debit cards?
BELCHER: The investigators are working on that.
QUESTION: We understand she had headphones and was she was listening to music when she was (INAUDIBLE). Is that right? And, if so, have you looked into the possibility of maybe a car coming up on her and hitting her (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: We've -- of course we've -- that's one of the first things you do any time you have a missing person, is you check the hospitals, emergency rooms. And there is no indication that she has been admitted to a hospital.
QUESTION: You have no physical evidence along her route?
BELCHER: We really have nothing that we can point at this point.
QUESTION: Chief, how many officers are you dedicating to (INAUDIBLE)? Are you dedicating your entire department (INAUDIBLE)? BELCHER: I don't have an exact figure. We have law enforcement officers the same as we did yesterday from Gainesville, Hull County (ph), Gwinnett County, and also Duluth.
There were approximately probably 150 law enforcement personnel here yesterday. And there will probably be close to 100 personnel here today.
QUESTION: How long did it take for (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: That I could not answer. I have no idea.
QUESTION: Do you find it (INAUDIBLE) that nobody saw her in a well-traveled road (INAUDIBLE)?
BELCHER: Well, we're not sure that nobody saw her. I mean, we are getting a lot of indications that they saw her jogging.
I mean, she was a common sight, from my understanding. So, you know, the problem is, did they actually see her that night, or did they think they saw her that night because they have seen her so many times before? So...
QUESTION: It seems to be everyone's feeling she didn't get cold feet and leave on her own. But are you ruling out totally that she didn't just leave?
BELCHER: No, sir. We are not ruling that out. You know?
I mean, that's -- that's a very good possibility that she did get cold feet and run off. You know, how many husbands have gone out to get a pack of cigarettes and never came back home? So, I mean, that is common.
Thank you very much.
KAGAN: We've been listening into a news conference. This is Duluth, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. The latest, which is not a lot, on this missing bride, Jennifer Wilbanks.
She left her house on Tuesday night to go jogging. Her wedding was set for Saturday. The family, the fiance, the parents say there's no way this is a case of cold feet.
A huge wedding was planned on Saturday. It has now been postponed.
Jennifer Wilbanks, you see her description there, 5'8". She weighs 120 pounds.
The police chief of Duluth, Georgia, there saying they are coming to realize that she was a marathon runner and that she was trying to increase her distance. So perhaps her route was a little bit farther out.
So they have made the decision to extend the search in a wider area. But at this time, they have called it a criminal investigation just because there is no indication that she would have left on her own.
But there is very little information to go on at this point. No specific information for evidence that foul play was involved here.
Our Sarah Dorsey is in Duluth. We're going to work on getting her up and talking to her in a little bit. And she will be talking to that police chief as well. More on the case of missing bride Jennifer Wilbanks just ahead.
Meanwhile, let's move on to our other top story of the hour. And that happens to be the Michael Jackson trial.
She did not follow the script, Michael Jackson's or the prosecutor's. We're talking about the ex-wife here, Debbie Rowe. She returns to the stand in just a few minutes, and she says nobody tells her what to say.
Our Ted Rowlands tells us why Rowe's testimony for the prosecution may have actually boosted the singer's defense.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT : Debbie Rowe is expected back on the stand when court resumes. She has surprised many with her testimony thus far.
She has been on the stand for about 40 minutes. And she has contradicted what prosecutors had said in their opening statements to the jury.
Prosecutors had maintained that Debbie Rowe was told what to say during the videotaping of an interview for Michael Jackson. Rowe got on the stand, however, and adamantly denied that she was coached or told what to say at all, saying that "Nobody tells me what to say." This seems to fly in the face of what prosecutors told jurors she would say when taking the stand.
She did say that Michael Jackson himself called her and urged her to take part in this video, which prosecutors said she would do. And she's the first person to actually tie Jackson into the production of this video.
This video is important because it's at the core of the conspiracy case against Michael Jackson. The accuser's mother says that she was coerced in her videotaped interview. Debbie Rowe, however, saying she did it on her own.
Rowe is expected back on the stand when court resumes. Following her testimony we expect to hear from her attorney, who was also present when the videotaping occurred.
Ted Rowlands, CNN, Santa Maria, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE) KAGAN: We're going to get more on the Michael Jackson case and talk to our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey, in just a minute. But first, let's go back to Duluth, Georgia, for the latest on the search for the missing bride.
And here's Sarah Dorsey -- Sarah.
SARAH DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, in this press conference, Duluth Police Chief Randy Belcher did give us a little new information. Yesterday, we were told the search for Jennifer Wilbanks was actually going to be called off because they had covered a five- square-mile area around the home that she shared with her fiance, that home that she left Tuesday evening to go jogging.
We have now learned that because she is a marathon runner and possibly she could have run further than police first understood, they've decided to move -- excuse me -- move that search grid out a little bit and also bring in bloodhounds.
Now, we asked the question in the press conference, why are the bloodhounds significant? Because canines were brought in immediately after she disappeared, and because police say it was so windy on Tuesday evening, those canines didn't pick up any kind of scent.
He tells us, though, the police chief, that these bloodhounds possibly could pick up a scent that canines could not. So possibly that will turn up something.
But really, in the press conference, what we learned is that police are appealing to anyone who possibly knows anything about Jennifer's whereabouts and her disappearance to give them a call. They tell us that people did say they spotted her jogging. But the police chief says, did they really see her that night, or are they just recalling seeing her at a different time because she ran around this area so much? That's a question that they are struggling with.
I can tell you that they told us this morning the FBI is involved now. They are looking into tips coming from other states.
Also here, however, law enforcement officials out here are telling us so far those leads aren't leading them to anything really significant. And you heard that in this press conference.
The bloodhounds, again, will be something new. But other than that, we know that she disappeared.
Jennifer disappeared Tuesday evening after taking a jog. This was something she didn't normally do, but -- or she did normally do, rather. But her disappearance is what is unique.
They have no idea where she is at this point. Her car keys, diamond ring, money and cell phone were all left in that house that she shares with her fiance -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Sarah, I thought it was interesting they were talking about extending the search area. Because with talking with the family, she's a marathoner runner. She's trying to increase her distance. So perhaps the short area they thought she was going to be around, actually they needed to go a little bit further.
DORSEY: Yes, that's basically what they're saying. They also sent some people into the Chattahoochee Rivers to check the banks.
The police chief told us they didn't have any reason to believe that she was near the Chattahoochee River, but they were going to cover those bases. Nothing came out of that. So they're going to go further now. They told us today to see if there's anything that they possibly could have missed in that closer search to the home.
KAGAN: A very worried family looking for any information. Sarah Dorsey from Duluth, Georgia. Thank you.
We have a lot of other news developing on this Thursday morning, and we'll get to that after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's get back to the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. Cardinal rule of lawyering, you don't put a witness on the stand unless you know what the person is going to say.
Debbie Rowe, the ex-wife, was on the stand yesterday. She comes back today. Could her testimony be the biggest blunder yet for the prosecution?
Kendall Coffey joining us now from Miami. He's a former U.S. attorney and frequently helps us out with all this legal stuff.
Kendall, good morning.
KENDALL COFFEY, FMR. U.S. ATTORNEY: Hey, good morning, Daryn.
KAGAN: Debbie Rowe, does her testimony hurt the prosecution, help the defense? How do you see it?
COFFEY: Well, it hurts the prosecution. They said specifically in opening statement that Debbie Rowe was going to get on and say that this was carefully scripted -- we're talking about Michael Jackson's wonderful video -- just like it was carefully scripted for the alleged victim's mom.
What does she do? She gets on the stand and says, no, it wasn't scripted at all, I would never been told what to say. So big credibility hit to the prosecution. And sometimes lack of credibility is a contagious virus that can carry over to other parts of the prosecution's case.
KAGAN: But she did also say that the things that she said on that video weren't true, like standing up for his parenting and such.
COFFEY: Absolutely. It was a -- it was a mixed bag. But why take the risk? Because, let's face it, even if she had been damaging to Michael Jackson, she could always be downplayed by the defense as a bitter ex- wife. And so, under any scenario, it was a lot of risk that the prosecution didn't take to take for minimal gain.
KAGAN: We're getting close to the end of the prosecution's case. What's left for them to do?
COFFEY: Well, they are clearly in wrap-up mode. I think they had thought Debbie Rowe might be one of their stars. You always want to begin a case with your best witnesses, end with one of your best witnesses. So I think it's definitely in wrap-up mode.
Now the key question for the defense team for Michael Jackson is, how deep in the hole are they and do they need to consider putting Michael Jackson on the stand?
KAGAN: Which is my question. If you're on their team, do you do that?
COFFEY: I think that right now they're going to probably have to do it.
KAGAN: Really?
COFFEY: Real hard to say.
KAGAN: Kendall, he can't even walk in that courtroom most days.
COFFEY: There's plenty -- well, he's -- he's a very strange guy.
KAGAN: Which is not a crime.
COFFEY: It's not a crime. And there are -- but there are so many things that have got to be very troubling for the jury.
The prosecution has made plenty of stumbling and bumbling in this case, Daryn. But they've also put on a pretty compelling amount of indication that there been kids that have been set up to be molested at Neverland Ranch.
KAGAN: Kendall, let me just jump in here, because we are showing live pictures of Santa Maria, California. The Suburban, black Suburban pulling up, as it does each day, carrying Michael Jackson. So we will keep these pictures up as we continue our conversation.
You were making the point that the things that the defense needs to clear up for the jury if Michael Jackson is to walk away from these charges.
COFFEY: And maybe they can do it without Michael Jackson's testimony, which, as you pointed out, would surely be preferable to putting that kind of a strange guy in front of a jury. But what they've got to do is explain what was going on here when that strange kind of setup, where seemingly he would isolate young boys, and then, according to some testimony that's come through on at least two, three, four occasions, perform some events of molestation or sex abuse to the young boys.
Something's got to be explained about this whole weird setup that Michael Jackson had with very vulnerable children.
KAGAN: Well, and it's -- how the trial has unfolded, those questions would not just be about with this latest accuser, but the long string of former charges and accusations that have been allowed to be entered into this trial.
COFFEY: And those are some of the toughest things. Even though Michael Jackson is not on trial for what happened 1993, that kind of testimony doesn't really have a motive as to why you shouldn't believe it.
With the current accuser, Jackson's defense team has pointed out they may be all about money, trying to turn Michael Jackson into this giant ATM machine, accusing the alleged victim's mom of being a schemer and a scammer. But what about the past alleged victims? What is going to be their motive for lying? And I think, in many ways, that is the most damaging testimony that's come forth about Michael Jackson.
KAGAN: It will be interesting to watch. Kendall Coffey joining us from Miami as we watch the live pictures from Santa Maria.
Thank you, Kendall.
COFFEY: Hey, thanks, Daryn.
KAGAN: And we're going to talk ahead about what the Senate is doing to avoid a standoff over judicial nominees. A live report from Washington, D.C.
Also, it ain't easy being green. Why Peruvian police had to pull out all the stops to save these frogs.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: The parents of quintuplets born by a surrogate mother are praising the woman for her act of generosity. Teresa Anderson gave birth to the five boys by cesarean section on Tuesday. We showed you the delivery room pictures yesterday.
The parents say Anders was an answer to their prayers that they could have a family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ENRIQUE MORENO, FATHER OF QUINTUPLETS: She's a miracle to us. She is a gift from god.
LUISA GONZALEZ, MOTHER OF QUINTUPLETS: Well, now I can say thank you. And she is angel that god sent to us, and do all this for us. This is an angel.
(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: The doctors say the smallest baby may have to have surgery as early as next week to fix a heart defect. The four other boys are expected to go home from the hospital in about three weeks.
When it comes to taking medication, consumers are often turning to a patch instead of the pill or a painful shot. Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen here to talk about patching up on your way to health.
Good morning.
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: It's very exciting, Daryn, because this is very convenient. You just put on a patch instead of taking a pill.
KAGAN: And you don't have to remember.
COHEN: You don't have to remember, right. Some people actually leave them on. You can leave them on for days, sometimes even up to a week.
There are patches now out there for high blood pressure, for heart disease, for pain relief. There are 12 patches that are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Let's take a look at how they work. You put the patch on, as you see here. And the medicine goes through your pores into the bloodstream.
Now, there is certain advantages and disadvantages. One is quick bloodstream delivery. It goes right there. Steady medication release over the course of hours or days, or even a week. It's not one big jump in medication at a time.
It's very steady. And fewer potential side-effects. It doesn't go through your gastrointestinal system, so there are fewer stomach and liver side-effects.
Now, the disadvantages are that sometimes these can give some people a rash or a skin irritation. And there are dose variations for heavier people.
In other words, heavier people might need a higher dose. That's hard to do a higher does with a patch.
Also, if it's not applied properly you can have dosage problems. Some people don't put it on right, or they put it on, and when they are supposed to put on the new patch, they forget to take off the old patch, which is a problem.
KAGAN: Oh, that's not good, yes.
COHEN: You're getting too many medications. But, in general, these have really been quite successful with a lot of different medications.
KAGAN: So if they are so good, why aren't they even used with even more medications?
COHEN: It has to do with molecules.
KAGAN: I was just thinking that the other day. It's all about the molecules.
COHEN: It's all about the molecules.
KAGAN: Exactly.
COHEN: There are some medicines where the molecules are just simply too big. For example, it would really make a lot of sense for diabetics to be able to use an insulin patch.
KAGAN: Sure.
COHEN: Because they need it all the time. But that molecule is just too big. It wouldn't get through the pores, it wouldn't get into the bloodstream.
So, actually, one company has -- is trying to develop this patch, where these little needles, they're just the size of a hair, that would actually go into your skin so that those big molecules could fit in. It's not on the market yet, but that's what they're trying to do.
KAGAN: They're working on it.
COHEN: They're working on it.
KAGAN: And when it's out there, you'll be here telling us about it.
COHEN: Oh, I bet we will be.
KAGAN: Thank you, Elizabeth.
To get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, log on to our Web site. You'll find the latest medical news, a health library, and information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.
We are getting close to lunchtime. You don't have to tell my stomach that. So what are you having? How does a frog shake sound?
Yes, we're talking real frogs. Who would do that? Who would put the froggy in the blender? No, bad idea. We're going to talk about what's being done about that just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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