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Hostage Confirmed Dead; U.S. Hostage Still Missing; Hannah Graham Case; Snow Causes Roof Collapse; ISIS Plots New Hostages

Aired February 10, 2015 - 14:00   ET

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


BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Hi there. I'm Brooke Baldwin. You're watching CNN. Thank you so much for being with me.

I want to start this hour with the heartbreaking news that an American hostage held by ISIS is dead. In one final and disgusting act, 26- year-old Kayla Mueller's family received a private message from ISIS with a chilling attachment, pictures showing the body of this young aid worker who gave her life to help others.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KAYLA MUELLER, AMERICAN HOSTAGE KILLED BY ISIS: I am in solidarity with the Syrian people. I reject the brutality and killing that the Syrian authorities are committing against the Syrian people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: Kayla in her own words there.

Here's what we still don't know. We do not know how she died. The absence of this -- any kind of brutal torture video would suggest that ISIS is still sticking to its script, that Kayla Mueller was killed last week in a Jordanian air strike on this building. It's a claim Jordan vehemently denies, calling it total propaganda. But regardless of her manner of death, the U.S. is clear on one thing, ISIS is responsible.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: There is no evidence of civilians in the target area prior to the coalition strike taking place. And that certainly would call into question the claims that are made by ISIL. What is not possible to call into question is that ISIL, regardless of her cause of death, is responsible for it. This, after all, was the organization that was holding her against her will.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: CNN has now also obtained a letter written by Kayla to her family in the spring of last year during her captivity. And in it she claims she was not suffering. That she was healthy. She even had put on weight. Of course, we don't know if this letter -- you see here her own handwriting, whether it was written under duress, but it appears Kayla Mueller had faith that she would get out. Let me read just part of it for you. She wrote, "I do not want the

negotiations for my release to be your duty. If there is any other option, take it. Even if it takes more time. This should never have to become your burden. None of us could have known it would be this long, but know I am also fighting from my side in the ways I am able. I have a lot of fight left inside of me."

CNN's Ana Cabrera is in Prescott, Arizona, the hometown of Kayla's parents. Obviously, Ana, our hearts and prayers go out to this entire community, including this mother and father. What are you hearing from her parents?

ANA CABRERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Heartbroken, Brooke. There is no other word to describe what they are feeling here today. This is a family who has suffered in silence for about a year and a half. They had to carefully, strategically endure excruciating pain in silence in the hopes that those actions would ultimately bring Kayla home safely, the 26-year-old who was captured back in 2013. Sadly, this conclusion, Kayla's death, is worst-case scenario.

Now, her family and friends are expected to speak here in Prescott, in her hometown, sometime this afternoon, so that's why you see all these cameras set up behind me. But they did put out a written statement just a few hours ago because they want to make sure the world knows their daughter and this incredible legacy that she leaves behind.

And I want to quote a part of that statement. Her family writes, "we are heartbroken to share that we've received confirmation that Kayla Jean Mueller has lost her life. Kayla was a compassionate and devoted humanitarian. She dedicated the whole of her young life to helping those in need of freedom, justice, and peace. Kayla was drawn to help those displaced by the Syrian civil war. She first travelled to Turkey in December 2012 to provide humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees. She told us of the great joy she took in helping Syrian children and their families."

Now, Kayla clearly showing through her actions her determination, her resolve to really make this world a better place. And certainly she did that in her short time, touching many, many lives. Her parents say they are extremely proud of her and they will now work to honor her legacy, Brooke.

BALDWIN: Incredible young woman. Ana Cabrera, thank you so much, in Prescott.

Joining me now, two parents all too familiar with the fear and pain Kayla Mueller's parents have endured. Debra and Marc Tice have been hoping for the safe return of their son Austin since he disappeared in 2012 while reporting in Syria. A war correspondent and photographer, Austin didn't shy from conflict zones. In fact, he was at the center of the Arab Spring protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square. He travelled to Turkey, made his way to Syria in 2012, once embedding himself with a rebel group fighting to oust the Assad regime and then soon after he vanished.

More than two years later, his whereabouts are still unknown. Debra and Marc have given CNN permission to show this video of Austin with his captors. This is the last time they have seen their son alive. And they're joining me now.

Mr. and Mrs. Tice, thank you so much for being with me today. It's so important to have this conversation.

MARC TICE, FATHER OF AMERICAN HOSTAGE AUSTIN TICE: Thank you, Brooke.

DEBRA TICE, MOTHER OF AMERICAN HOSTAGE AUSTIN TICE: Thank you, Brooke.

BALDWIN: I, obviously, want to ask you a lot of questions about your son in just a moment. But first, just on Kayla Mueller. I know when one of my producers called you all this morning, we could - you know, had planned to talk to you all before this news about her death from the White House and her parents broke, we broke the news to you. You've been in touch with the Mueller family in the past. I mean clearly this is very difficult for even your family to handle.

D. TICE: Right.

M. TICE: Our hearts go out to the Muellers and to everyone that loves Kayla. You know, we can't begin to imagine what they're going through. And we just wish them all the best in the world.

BALDWIN: Debra, let me go to you. Let's talk about your situation with Austin because I know he's been held captive for more than two years. And unlike a number of other - you know, families we've talked about here, you actually don't know who's holding your son hostage, is that correct?

D. TICE: That's right. We do know that he is not being held by ISIS. The Syrian government has told us he's not in any of their official facilities. And so we don't know who's holding Austin.

BALDWIN: And you believe them?

D. TICE: Yes. We believe them.

BALDWIN: Marc, the last you heard anything about Austin was actually directly from, you know, the people in Syria on the ground there telling you your son is alive. As much as you can share with me, how were they able to prove that to you?

M. TICE: Well, you know, for one thing, the video was proof. That's the message that we took out of. That was the title of the video, "Austin Tice is alive." Since then, we've heard from credible sources that he is alive and that we should be patient. And, you know, we're counting on him coming home safely.

BALDWIN: Here's the thing that really just stuns me is this frustration you all understandably have as far as communication goes. And I've heard this from other people, actually other captives who have been on my show, because here you are, you're talking directly to the Syrian government, and that's one direction of communication. Then the other direction of communication is to the U.S. government. You know, you're having to tell the State Department some things. You're then breaking news to the FBI. Sometimes the CIA doesn't know what the FBI knows. I mean isn't that part of this whole U.S. hostage policy review that you all are fighting for?

D. TICE: Exactly, Brooke. You've got it exactly right. There are really, you know, one main gap that exists in this policy is that there's no single person who has, as their sole objective, the safest and soonest return of a hostage. And then the lack of interagency communication is appalling. And communication with the families is stifled by clearance policies and secret issues and, you know, as parents, we feel no one should have more information about our son than we do.

BALDWIN: Than you.

D. TICE: That just seems the natural flow.

M. TICE: Yes. You know, there's no question, and I'll quote Diane Foley on this actually who's a friend of ours. You know, we can do better. We've got to do better in doing everything that can be done to bring these amazing young people home safely.

BALDWIN: Do you get the sense that - I mean I know the president asked for this, you know, hostage review last fall. Do you get the sense that it's moving in the right direction, that some of the issues you have are being listened to and will be changed? M. TICE: Yes, we do. In fact, we were in Washington last week. We met

early last week with the team that's doing the hostage review. You know, we came away from there feeling like they are committed and they are sincere and they're really making a thorough effort to understand the issues and where improvements can be made. So we're just hoping that, you know, their recommendations get to the White House and are adopted because no families should go through a process like we've been going through.

D. TICE: Right.

BALDWIN: No. No. A hundred percent agree and I'm glad you feel this progress is happening.

Let me ask you, though, about the issue of ransom. The -- unlike some of the other ISIS hostages we've covered, a price has not been put on your son. But, you know, if that were to happen, you know the U.S. policy that, you know, the U.S. doesn't pay ransoms. Let's say they take it a step further. We've heard, you know, the government threaten other families -- they'll sue the families for even trying to do that. But as a parent, obviously you want to do everything you can. So what would you do in that situation?

M. TICE: Well, you know, I can tell you that we will do everything that we possibly can to get our home -- our son home safely. And, you know, every situation is different. We don't believe black and white static rules are necessarily the best approach to these situations because they all vary so much.

BALDWIN: There's no handbook.

M. TICE: Yes, there's no handbook. And there needs to be flexibility and pragmatism and creativeness around dealing with these situations.

BALDWIN: Final word from you, Debra, before I wrap this up, as a mother missing a son.

D. TICE: Well, yes. I just want to say, there are a lot of individuals in our government that have steadfastly worked with us. McLatchy (ph) News has been stellar in standing with our freelance son. Our church, the global community that assures us that they're praying for Austin and for our family. And so we do have many things to be grateful for. We have every reason to hope. And on this very sad day, we just want to say again that our hearts go out to the Muellers and we are holding them up in prayer.

BALDWIN: Right there with you. Marc and Debra Tice, thank you so much for the time.

M. TICE: Thank you, Brooke.

D. TICE: Thank you, Brooke.

BALDWIN: Thank you.

Just ahead here on CNN, we are now getting word that ISIS is targeting more hostages. Find out in which countries.

Plus, murder charges in the case of the student from the University of Virginia, Hannah Graham. Hear why prosecutors are sure Jesse Matthew is her killer.

And police in Ferguson, Missouri, trying out a new device on their guns. It's a device, we're told, isn't actually designed to kill. See how that works, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: You're watching CNN. I'm Brooke Baldwin.

We now know the man suspected in the death of University of Virginia college student Hannah Graham has officially been charged. He is Jesse Matthew. He's been indicted on first-degree murder and abduction charges. Hannah Graham is the 18-year-old who disappeared in Charlottesville's downtown mall area last September 13th. Her disappearance made headlines nationwide. We've seen some of the surveillance video and heard from multiple witnesses, leading police to identify Jesse Matthew as a prime suspect in this case.

Remember he was taken into custody in Texas. He was just on the beach. This is 11 days after Graham disappeared. Her remains were found in October, just a couple miles outside of Charlottesville. Today, the prosecutor vowed to seek justice for the entire community there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DENISE LUNSFORD, PROSECUTOR, ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VIRGINIA: The prosecutions for the abduction and murder of Hannah will bring Mr. Matthew to justice for these crimes. Crimes that were committed against Hannah Graham, against her family, and against our community.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: We bring in Talya Cunningham. She's a reporter with WCHV Radio.

And, Talya, we know the prosecutor pointed out that Jesse Matthew is charged with first-degree murder, not capital murder. Do we know why no death penalty here?

TALYA CUNNINGHAM, REPORTER, WCHV RADIO: We don't exactly why. Now, there was the press conference this morning at 11:00 a.m. where the Albemarle County prosecutor did announced the first-degree murder charge, not the capital murder charge. They were very quiet, but we do know that the family of Hannah Graham was notified about the state's decision. We do not know exactly why at this moment.

BALDWIN: OK. I know we've seen Jesse Matthew on those surveillance cameras, walking down the mall, including one that showed him walking not too far behind Hannah Graham late that night. What other evidence do prosecutors have here?

CUNNINGHAM: Well, there has been forensic evidence. We do know that Hannah Graham was last seen with Jesse Matthew on the downtown mall here in Charlottesville. And he was last seen putting his arm around her and they walked away together. So we do know that he was the last person to be seen with her. There has been evidence forensically link of DNA in Jesse Matthew's car, which search - which police officers did search the vehicle. Now, once they searched the vehicle, it led to probable cause to search his residence. Once they searched there, they left with bags of clothes. So they do have evidence exactly linking Hannah Graham to Jesse Matthew.

BALDWIN: OK. We just may not know specifically what those pieces of evidence are. What about - I mean this case -- there are so many other cases in Virginia that people are wondering if they're linked to this man. There was that sex assault case from 2005 in Fairfax, Virginia. Several other unsolved cases in the central Virginia area. Do we know, are there developments on any of those cases, Talya?

CUNNINGHAM: Well, we do know that Jesse Matthew is charged with capital murder, abduction with intent to defile in Fairfax for a 2005 rape case, which is actually being on trail - the trial starts March 9th. So the prosecutors are moving along with that trial.

Now he was charged with rape at Liberty University and those charges were dropped. But we also do know that he's been linked to the Morgan Harrington disappearance in 2009. Now that case he is forensically linked. He is currently a suspect. There has been no charges so far, but he is a suspect. Forensically linked through DNA.

BALDWIN: All right. Talya Cunningham in Charlottesville, Virginia. Talya, thank you very much.

Just ahead here on CNN, hunting for new hostages. Intelligence reveals ISIS plans to target and kidnap new victims beyond the borders of this war zone.

And next, we'll jump head first into this relentless winter weather slamming the Northeast again and again and again. Boston running out of places to put the snow. We're getting word of a roof collapsing and all kinds of eye reports. Snow diving, they're calling it. (INAUDIBLE).

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: Boston, Massachusetts, I know you are so, so tired of the snow. You're dealing with more than 70 inches piled up right now and more is on the way. So it should be no surprise one of the most popular items today on boston.com is a breakup letter. So let me just paraphrase part of this. This is Charlotte Wilder (ph) writing this. "Dear snow, I could say it's not you, it's me, but that would be the biggest lie I've told. It is you. It is 100 percent you. Now is probably a good time to tell you I've met someone. His name is spring. Maybe next winter we can be friends again, but until then, please lose my address. Yours unfondly, Boston."

It's a fun, light letter, but when we're talking 70 inches, this is serious, serious stuff. So Miguel Marquez, let me bring you in. You're in Hingham, Massachusetts. We've talked a little bit about the, you know, worries of roofs collapsing. Case in point, where you are. Talk to me.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Brooke, we're right across the street from where one of these roofs has collapsed. It has shut down this entire city. This is the problem. Two feet of snow here in Hingham. That's the community center. You can barely see the sign. If you swing around this way, you can see just on the other side of the street there, this is a building that was built in 1859. The roof, one side of it, the wall and the roof have collapsed on to a building next to it. Both floors, the top two floors are a complete loss. Fortunately, nobody was injured or killed in this thing. But right now fire officials want to bring this thing down as quickly as possible. They have engineers on site so that they can figure out how to pull this thing down.

What the fire department here was dealing with before that collapse was this, fire hydrants, getting them dug out. They are all over the area here, throughout the entire city. And they are buried. And if there is a bigger emergency here, you need to, obviously, be able to get to these and get water to where they need it to go. So they were digging these out today. Now they're trying to figure out how to get that building down.

One of the concerns they have is that one of the subway trains actually goes right underneath that building. So they're not quite sure how they're going to bring it down. They have a crane on standby. They have engineers here. And they expect by either tonight or tomorrow that building will be down because they don't want the snow that's coming this week to bring it down, the wind they expect tomorrow. And the longer it stays there, the ice will form and become even heavier on that building, creating a bigger problem.

Brooke.

BALDWIN: My goodness. The age, the history on some of these buildings in and around the Boston area, added with all the snow and not a good combination. Miguel Marquez, stay safe to all of you in the Boston area. Thank you.

More on our breaking news right now. We have, unfortunately, seen what happens to hostages at the hands of ISIS. It's used as pure propaganda and then ruthlessly these men and women are killed when it serves their purposes. Kayla Mueller is this latest victim. But she will not be the last if ISIS has its way. New intelligence shows ISIS is working on plans to kidnap more hostages, especially those from the west. The hunting grounds could be Lebanon, could be Jordan. CNN justice correspondent Pamela Brown is breaking some of this news for us.

Exactly how would ISIS carry this out, Pamela?

PAMELA BROWN, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, according to sources, Brooke, we're learning that ISIS would actually want to go into neighboring countries, such as Lebanon and Jordan, and go into refugee camps, perhaps, in order to kidnap westerners who may be volunteering there to help - that are helping, you know, the refugees in those areas. So this is really disturbing.

We've seen how ISIS has used hostages, westerners, as propaganda, exploited their hostages and so they have been developing plans, according to a Middle East security source who told our Paul Cruickshank this, they've been developing these plans since the middle of last year, since around the same time that they began beheading the Americans. James Foley was the first one that we saw.

And so what we've seen, up until this point, is ISIS kidnapping westerners that were actually in Syria. Now as I said now, it looks like they're going to developing plans to broad that out, go into neighboring countries in order to kidnap westerners now that they're running out of hostages it appears.

BALDWIN: So if we throw the map up, guys, is it just sheer, you know, geographic proximity and that's why members of ISIS would go to neighboring nations, Lebanon and Jordan, but again, specifically, it's the westerners they'll be after?

BROWN: Well, westerners, international hostages. I mean we saw what they did with the Japanese. They -

BALDWIN: Right.

BROWN: After beheading two of them. So I think they're really just looking for any hostages that they can exploit as propaganda, Brooke. But these neighboring countries, there's a lot of refugee camps there. Humanitarian organizations are working out of there. A lot of westerners volunteering in those areas. And so the concern is that ISIS militants would go into those areas, into those neighboring countries and try to kidnap westerners that they can hold hostage.

BALDWIN: That is incredibly frightening. Pamela Brown, thank you.

Coming up next, a new weapon on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri. See this device? Police are testing it out. It would make their guns non- lethal. We'll show you, next.

Plus, "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams still under investigation by his own network. Now we're learning network executives got a progress report. We'll have an update for you coming up.

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