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Navy Speaks Out; Obama and Iranian President; Anderson Autopsy Results; Remini Comments on Split from Scientology; One-on-One with Justin Timberlake

Aired September 24, 2013 - 09:30   ET

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

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Thanks so much for joining me. I'm Carol Costello.

Surprising new details about Aaron Alexis, the man responsible for gunning down 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard a week ago. The Navy now says it did not have a clue until after the tragedy that the former reservist had an arrest record that involved a gun in 2004. The reason? The government agency handling security clearances did not let the Navy know. Another is like, how can that happen? Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr has the breaking details.

Tell us more, Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Carol, how can it happen? How can there be so many misread flags? We've been talking about this for days, but a Navy official briefing reporters, now that they have looked through the entire record, says that is exactly what happened, that they did not know that this 2004 arrest in Seattle involved gun violence.

All they knew is the folder of material they got for his security clearance that said he'd been involved in an incident of malicious mischief, deflating a construction worker's tires. No indication that Alexis shot out the tires, no indication that Alexis attributed it to an anger-fueled blackout. The Navy knew nothing about this. They say this was all the information they got in the security clearance folder when the Office of Personnel Management, the part of the government that oversees all of this, forwarded the material to the Navy.

Not a lot of explosion why. The Office of Personnel Management has now issued a statement, and I want to read part of it, saying, quote - and it involves this - it happened in Seattle. Let me emphasize that. The OPM says, quote, "had the Seattle Police Department permitted OPM to obtain the law enforcement records, it's possible that additional information may have been obtained."

So where does this leave everything? I mean, how is it -- this is now the question, how is it that people get security clearances with police records? Apparently Alexis had told the Navy at one point, he didn't declare it on his form, the arrest, because it was dismissed. So now the Navy is saying that what they think needs to happen is every time somebody gets a security clearance, all of their police record documentation is included. But that's after the fact is the problem. COSTELLO: I know. Does that mean if the Navy had known about Alexis' gun arrest, he would not have become a Navy Reservist in the first place?

STARR: Well, we asked that. You know, and in hindsight, nobody's going to give you the absolute answer. They're not going to really say.

But, look, he had this gun violence issue. He had documented faulty credit records. A lot of documentation on how he was trying to fix all his problems in his life, including his bad credit rating. It's hard to see these days in retrospect how and why he got a security clearance based on the standards that we know are in effect, but the Navy not willing to go so far as to say they wouldn't have. They are only saying now, after the fact, so many years later, they didn't know.

Carol.

COSTELLO: Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr. Thanks so much.

Let's go back to our top story, shall we? The U.N. General Assembly officially kicking off today. You can see it's underway. Nearly 200 world leaders are gathered here at the United Nations in New York City. The crisis in Syria and Middle East tensions top the agenda. But now there's news of another head kind - now there's another bit of news making headlines this morning. A possible face-to-face meeting between President Obama and his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani. A senior White House official telling CNN, the administration has, quote, "left the door open" to a face-to-face meeting. Reza Sayeh is in Tehran for reaction out of that part of the world.

So was it Iran pushing for this or is it the United States?

REZA SAYAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I think at this point, clearly it's Iran going with what many are describing is a charm offensive. And it's going to be interesting. A lot of people are eager to see if President Rouhani and President Obama are going to meet and at least shake hands. If that happen, if these two presidents shake hands, this is going to have huge implications, not just for Washington and Tehran, but this region and much of the world.

Whether they shake hands or not, what's been remarkable here in Iran is the optimism and the hope people are showing that U.S./Iran relations are going to improve after 34 years. And the source of that optimism is the new president, Hassan Rouhani. He's only been in office for about eight weeks, but consider what he's done. He's pushed for better relations with Washington, he's become pen pals with President Obama, exchanging letters. He's released a number of political prisoners. His office has even tweeted "happy new year" to the world's Jewish community, Carol. So it's this so-called aggressive charm offensive that has a lot of Iranians eager to see what happens today and optimistic that relations with the U.S. are going to improve.

COSTELLO: And while this all sounds positive, he is not the supreme leader in Iran. Does he have the power to actually improve relations with the United States when it comes to nuclear weapons, let's say?

SAYAH: He is certainly not the most powerful man. But all indications are that the supreme leader is backing him in this new strategy. The big issue that's in the way of better relations, of course, the nuclear program here in Iran. But Iranian leaders are sending signals that they're ready to make concessions, perhaps capping uranium enrichment at 20 percent, opening up broader inspections.

But, obviously, they want something in return. They want the U.S. to recognize and respect this leadership. They want them to recognize the right to have a peaceful nuclear program, and they want an end to the tough economic sanctions. So a lot of challenges remain, but newfound hope and optimism that these two countries can have some sort of relationship in the coming months and years.

COSTELLO: Well, we'll see if that meeting takes place. Reza Sayah reporting live from Iran this morning.

Still to come in the newsroom, an autopsy revealing chilling new details about the deaths of rescued teenager Hannah Anderson's mother and her brother. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: More than a month after a grisly crime that captured the nation's attention, we're learning more about how a California woman and her son died. The bodies of Christina Anderson and her eight-year- old son Ethan, were found in a burning home that lead to a massive hunt for the man blamed for killing them and kidnapping Anderson's 16- year-old daughter Hannah. CNN's Stephanie Elam live in Los Angeles to tell us more.

Good morning.

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

And here are the reports that we got overnight. These thick, thick packets here with all of the information they have on what could have happened to Tina, as she was known, and also Ethan. And what we can say now is, as we take a look at this report, is that this fire did a lot of damage to both of these people.

We can tell you that they did discover that Tina was bashed in the head at least 12 times, in the back of the head -- or forehead, and also on the bridge of her nose. Her ankles were bound in plastic cable ties. There was also several layers of duct tape around her neck, also around her mouth. Her arms were also fractured, which indicates that she may have been trying to fight back a bit here. There were cuts and bruises and all of that all over her arms and there was also a wound to her neck, a cut, but they think that could have happened after she was already dead. They're also saying that there was no soot in her lungs, the same thing with Ethan, which implies that they were probably already dead before these fires started.

Now as far as Ethan is concerned, he was found a day after his mother. And in that case, he was so badly burned and so badly unrecognizable that they still can't even tell us what the cause of death is there. But for Tina, it was because of those blunt head traumas that she sustained during that time.

And I have to tell you, Carol, I made my way out there with our crew. We went out to Boulevard where these fires were and there was a two- story log cabin and there was a garage. And the mother was found in the garage, which they managed to put the fire out there. As for the house, it burned down, and that is where Ethan was at that time, Carol.

COSTELLO: So is the case completely closed now?

ELAM: Well, that's a good question. I think that there's still more questions that people have. But as far as this goes on to say, it's clear that they've ruled both of these a homicide as to what could have happened here to them. But at the same time, we do know that the man behind this -- that they believe was behind this, Jim DiMaggio, he was shot dead by the FBI agents in Idaho when he allegedly kidnapped Hannah Anderson and she was found and safely returned to her family after that. So there's still people who have questions, but this shows at least what happened to these two individuals.

COSTELLO: Stephanie Elam reporting live from Los Angeles this morning.

Coming up in the NEWSROOM, let's lighten the mood, shall we? He can sing, he can dance and, boy, can he act. Superstar Justin Timberlake goes one on one with CNN's Nischelle Turner and he's opening about - he's opening up about his drive and determination.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: I guess I got it from my mama. No, I don't - I don't know. I don't know. I just think - I don't know, I've just always been that way.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The former N'Sync member talks about his new movie and growing up in the spotlight.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Actress Leah Remini is speaking out about her split from scientology. During an episode of "Dancing with the Stars" "The King of Queens" star talked candidly about her recent departure from the church. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEAH REMINI, ACTRESS: The church is looking for me to fail so they can say to their parishioners you see what happens when you leave the church? So they're waiting for me to fail.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: In case you didn't catch that, she said "The church is waiting for her to fail" so they can say, "See, this is what happens when people leave Scientology." As you know the 43-year-old actress has struggled to learn the show's dance moves in recent weeks.

Earlier this summer Remini split from Scientology after 30 years of membership. Those close to the actress say she decided to leave because of the church's structure. According to multiple reports, Remini was interrogated after she questioned the church's managers.

When it comes to talent, Justin Timberlake is a triple threat, from singer to dancer to actor, the superstar seems to have it all. He's back on the big screen with a new movie called "Runner, Runner", a crime thriller about addiction and wealth.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want you to make this place run. But gambling is forbidden on campus.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, ACTOR: I have $60,000 due next week and that's if I don't eat.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Change your tune or you won't have a school to pay for.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So you're trying to gamble for you tuition money.

TIMBERLAKE: It must be really nice to have your education paid for, I've been three-tabling -- statistically, it's the right play.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know at the casino, and they give you the chips they say good luck, sir. Yes, sir, means dummy. Good luck means --

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Well now Timberlake is opening up to CNN. The superstar sat down one-on-one with CNN's Nischelle Turner. He's talking about everything. Good morning, Nischelle. I can't wait to hear.

NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Yes, he is talking about everything, Carol. And it's a switch for him because he's usually very private but this was a really huge week for Justin Timberlake actually it's been a pretty big year for him. He performed at I Heart Radio this week, he's got a new movie premiering, part two of the 2020 experience releases and tonight he is shutting down Hollywood Boulevard here in Los Angeles for an outdoor concert. But somehow he did find a little bit of time to sit down and chat with me.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TURNER: This drive, this determination, where does that come from?

TIMBERLAKE: I don't know. I guess I got it from my Mama. No, I don't know. I don't know. I just think -- I don't know. I've always been that way. Always been kind of a -- I don't know -- I grew up an only child and I'm always kind of like -- you know, when you grow up that way, it's like you get all the perks, but you also get all the responsibility. Like there's no one else to blame the vase getting broken on.

TURNER: I feel like maybe that's where creativity comes from because I had to do a lot of stuff on my own.

TIMBERLAKE: Sure. I had imaginary friends. I was weird.

TURNER: I did, too.

TIMBERLAKE: Oh of course I could tell. You look like you had imaginary friends.

TURNER: A jokester, yes. Whether it's giving me grief --

TIMBERLAKE: This is just going to get awkward.

TURNER: It's going to get weird.

Or creating the latest installment of "Tuesdays with Timberlake" on his friend Jimmy Fallon's show.

You see he's a natural performer most comfortable when he steps on the stage.

It started early as seen here in this rare video of one of Timberlake's very first performances.

TIMBERLAKE: Good evening, everybody. My name is Justin Timberlake and I'm going to sing "Please Don't Go Girl".

TIMBERLAKE: I grew up in a small town and I definitely felt like I was an individual always.

Please don't go girl --

But the way that you're brought up in, you know, a small, smallville, Mid-South USA, you're taught more about how you're similar to your neighbor. I think if there's anything that I've learned in my experience, it's to try to like stop and enjoy those moments because you know, they're over before you know it. They really are.

So I think that's another thing that -- that -- that I have always tried to do, is share all of this with my family and my friends.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TURNER: And you know he talks about his family and his friends a little bit there and he doesn't usually open up about personal things. Now he does have the 2020 Experience Part Two that is going to be coming out in about a week.

Part One was a little bit lighter and some ways I call it a love letter. You know part tow a little bit harder hitting he said but you know speaking of love his lady love his new wife Jessica Biel was there at the interview Carol. She came into the room after we were done. You know there's this real ease between the two of them. there is a lot of love there and it was neat to see there's big smile that he gets on his face when she walks in the room. It's the side of him that you really don't see very often.

COSTELLO: Ok they got married.

TURNER: Well I mean yes but you know Justin Timberlake he does not say anything. He's very, very protective and quiet about his personal life. So to even be there and see them interact I felt like it was a big deal and they're very, very cute together. I kind of dug it. Let me have my Pollyanna moment would you.

COSTELLO: All right whatever. There was a large hug because you're so warm and friendly too. Admit it that you're charming.

TURNER: I'm in love with love.

COSTELLO: Loving yes. Nischelle Turner thanks so much.

TURNER: Right.

COSTELLO: Still to come in the NEWSROOM. How long has it been since the Pittsburg Pirates made the playoff? Where you singing "We are family"? Yes George H.W. Bush was president well the Pirates are partying like it's 1992.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Peyton Manning, you're amazing. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are a perfect 3-0 after taking apart the Oakland Raiders on Monday night's football. Andy Scholes is here to tell us about Superman.

ANDY SCHOLES, "BLEACHER REPORT": Yes you know what; Peyton Manning and the Broncos they look like a well-oiled machine right now. Their offense is just unstoppable, you know, and their three games into the season already setting records.

You know Manning threw three touchdowns last night; all of them coming in the first half. He now has 12 on the season, Carol, and that's the most ever by a quarterback in the first three games. And the Broncos they cruise to an easy win in this one, they won 37-21. They have now scored 127 points this season. No other team has even scored 100.

COSTELLO: Unbelievable.

SCHOLES: All right the long wait is now finally over for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After beating the Cubs last night they Buckos secured a playoff spot for the first time in 21 years. And oh how the times have changed. The last time the Pirates were in the post season gas was just over a dollar and George Bush Sr. was president. And since making the playoffs back in 1992 the Pirates have had 20 straight losing seasons -- that was the longest in professional sports.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, BASKETBALL PLAYER: Like I said on my word about the Sacramento Queens, write it down, take a picture, send it to them. I don't care.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: All right. that was Shaq back in 2002 calling the Lakers rivals the Sacramento Kings, the Sacramento queens. On a strange turn of events he's now part owner of the team he famously made fun of. Shaq has been working with the Kings as consultant this summer and the Kings are scheduled to make Shaq's stake in the franchise official today.

No word yet, Carol, on if they're going to change the name to the Shaq-cramento Kings.

COSTELLO: Well, they're not going to change it to the Queens.

SCHOLES: Definitely not. All right. In the lineup section of the BleacherReport.com today you can read about the NBA is considering replacing the last names with nicknames on the back of jerseys. The league is kicking around the idea of trying it out -- the key, the Nets (ph) this season. So Carol, you could see the name like "King James", "Flash", "Birdman" on the jersey instead of James, Wade, Anderson.

I kind of like the idea but what if you don't have a good nickname. Where are you going with that?

COSTELLO: I know. I was just thinking, what would my nickname be? CC Rider.

SCHOLES: C.C. Rider?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What's yours?

SCHOLES: I don't know. A Money.

COSTELLO: A Money. Andy Scholes, thanks so much.

The next hour of CNN NEWSROOM after a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Good morning. Thanks so much for joining me. I'm Carol Costello. We are just minutes away from President Obama's address to the United Nations. At the podium right now in the New York City is the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff.