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CNN Live Today
Private England to Plead Guilty in Prison Scandal; Governor Bush Signs the Jessica Lundsford Act; Rash of Bombings in Iraq
Aired May 02, 2005 - 10:00 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 CO-ANCHOR: We'll go ahead and get started. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.
An ammunition dump exploded in northern Afghanistan today, destroying an entire neighborhood. Officials say 28 people were killed, 70 others wounded. The dump belonged to a local militia commander. No word on the cause.
And take a look at these pictures of a rescue at sea. A U.S. Navy crew in throwing a life preservers to passengers of a capsized boat. It happened 25 miles off of the coast of Somalia. Eighty-nine people were saved, five were killed, several are still missing. U.S. and German warships were in the area conducting anti-terrorism operations.
Here in the U.S., a prosecutor in suburban Atlanta is considering whether to press charges against the so-called runaway bride. A case of cold feet apparently made Jennifer Wilbanks take a bus across country last week. Wilbanks' disappearance prompted a massive search by law enforcement and volunteers in her hometown.
Florida Governor Jeb Bus, a live picture here from Florida. He is about to sign the Jessica Lunsford Act into law this hour. The bill requires a 25-year minimum prison term for those who prey on the youngest children. Once out of prison, the sexual offender would be tracked by satellite for life. The bill is named for 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, allegedly killed by a sex offender last March.
Good morning on this Monday morning. Let's get the week started. I'm Daryn Kagan.
This hour, a so-called poster child in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal is in court. Right now, one of the most recognizable and photographed soldiers at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison appears before a U.S. Army judge. Twenty-two-year-old Reservist Lynndie England is seeking leniency.
Our national correspondent Susan Candiotti is at Ft. Hood, Texas where the proceedings are being held at this hour.
Susan, good morning.
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Yes, like six others before her, Private Lynndie England is expected to plead guilty for her alleged role in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. Her ex-boyfriend, Charles Graner pleaded not guilty. A jury did not believe him and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Now, while Lynndie England has always insisted that she was simply following orders when prisoners were abused, she now has other things to think about. She is a new mother now, and her attorney has said that a plea deal was always a possibility.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PFC. LYNNDIE ENGLAND, RESERVIST, U.S. ARMY: You think you're taking the right road, and it ends up being the wrong one so...
CANDIOTTI (voice over): Lynndie England, now an young unwed mother after an affair at Abu Ghraib prison, wants to make a deal to avoid years behind bars herself. She was once called the poster child of the Iraqi prison scandal. Now the Army reservist from rural West Virginia is prepared to plead guilty, perhaps as early as today.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: We will get back to Lynndie England story and the Susan Candiotti in a moment.
First live to Florida. Here's Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Let's listen in.
GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: ... as it relates to sexual predators and sexual offenders, and this bill will make our laws even tougher. And I think it is right and just that it's the case.
I appreciate the fact that Mark Lunsford is here, as well as Kelly May. Their daughters did not deserve the incredible treatment that they received. Their deaths, however, weren't in vain. And I just appreciate so much, I appreciate it so much that you've come to participate in this bill signing.
The bill also requires that sex offenders, whose victims are children, will be electronically monitored during their probation. It requires the sexual offenders to report twice a year to law enforcement. Currently, they're only required to report at their initial registration. This means that these offenders will have to report twice a year in person, to update the registration data. Those that fail to register are charged with a third degree felony.
The bill also creates a new qualifier, which could result in a sex -- sexual predator facing the death penalty. It also changes the law. and again, I appreciate the legislature's quick but thoughtful action on this. Senator Argenziano and Representative Dean were sponsors of this bill. And they dealt with many of the issues that we saw unfold over the last few months. And one of those was anybody harboring or assisting a sex predator, or offender could face a third degree felony now, after I sign this bill into law. And that is more than appropriate.
The bill also requires county probation officials to conduct searches of sex offender and predator. The registry that is run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to determine whether their probationer is a sex offender, that information has always been available to them. Now it will be a law that they must provide that make that search as they do their business. And it also requires the court to make a finding that a sex offender who violates probation is not a danger to the community, before releasing them on bond.
This is a comprehensive piece of legislation. And I so much appreciate that you all are here and with that -- Mark.
KAGAN: And with that Governor Jeb Bush signs this new Jessica Lunsford Act into law. Her father, Mark Lunsford, there on hand. Also the family of Sarah Lunde, a another Florida girl who was killed over the last couple of months in Ruskin, Florida.
This new law will require those who prey on the youngest to be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison. And if they get out, they'll have to use -- oh, a very emotional mark Lunsford there. They will have to be tracked with the satellite, with a GPS for the rest of their life.
We're going to make great use of our Susan Candiotti here, one of our most industrial reporters.
Susan, you covered the Mark Lunsford and the Jessica Lunsford story as it was unfolding. We're going to get back to your story in Texas about Abu Ghraib in just a moment. But your comments about what you see happen so quickly here in Florida, a legislative response to these terrible, gruesome murders of these two girls.
CANDIOTTI: Well, after having covered not only the Jessica Lunsford case but also the disappearance and murder of Sarah Lunde, clearly this was the impetus that was needed for politicians in Florida to, at the request of the victims in this case, the surviving victims in this case, to get a push to do something to toughen up the laws in the state of Florida. And clearly, that is what has taken place.
In the Jessica Lunsford case, it's interesting to note that one of the new aspects of the new legislation involves harboring sex criminals. Now, you might recall that in the case of Jessica Lunsford, relatives of the suspected murderer in this case, he was living with them in a trailer. And when police went to question the relatives, they were told that he wasn't there. Or they didn't mention that he was there in the trailer. Of course, they were not charged in that particular case, but in the future, there would be that possibility.
So this is certainly a day that Jessica's father has looked forward to, as well as the family of Sarah Lunde that, perhaps in the future, this type of thing can be prevented if there is a closer watch kept on sex offenders.
KAGAN: Now, let's go back to the story you're covering today n Ft. Hood Texas, about Lynndie England. We had to interrupt your piece to go live to Florida. The gist of what will probably happen to Lynndie England today. CANDIOTTI: Yes, she is expected to plead guilty, like several have before her. Because after all, she did originally face the possibility of 16 years in prison. This now reduces the possibility to 11 years in prison. But there are signs that behind the scenes attorneys, for both sides, have worked out a possible cap for as little as two years in prison. So she's expected to stand before the judge at any moment now, enter a guilty plea. If the judge accepts it, she is then expected to ask for a jury to decide her fate.
Now, if for some reason, they come back and say that she deserves something higher than, for example, two years, then whatever they say would be ignored. And it would work out in her favor if the jury decides on something less than, for example, two years.
A jury would not be seated until tomorrow. And then that's like a mini trial, the sentencing phase, because witnesses would be presented on both sides.
Now, England's ex-boyfriend, Charles Graner, who is believed to have fathered her baby boy, is on the defense witness list, so he could be here to testify. However, his attorneys tell me that he is actually now married to someone else, another convicted participant in this scandal, which is now starting to look more and more like a soap opera -- Daryn.
KAGAN: It certainly is. And which brings us to the baby, who is raising that baby?
CANDIOTTI: Well, Lynndie England has been taking care of her own baby, while awaiting court-martial, with help from her mother. So presumably her mother would take care of her baby boy.
KAGAN: All right. Susan Candiotti, earning your keep today I have to say, covering both stories for us. Thank you, Susan.
To Iraq now, violence surging yet again in the capital. Insurgents today detonating more car bombs across Baghdad. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 29 wounded. An Australian contractor has appeared in the videotape begging for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq. The prime minister says he will not negotiate with terrorists.
And Italy is challenging the U.S. report that cleared American soldiers for firing on this ca, as it carried a freed hostage. The journalist was wounded and an Italian agent shielding her was killed in the incident.
For more on the violence in Iraq, let's go to Baghdad and CNN's Ryan Chilcote.
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn. Well, a violent beginning to the week here in Baghdad. Already today we've had four car bombs go off. Three of the four apparently targeting Iraqi security forces. Quite consistent with a pattern we've seen over the last two to three weeks of the insurgents going after symbols of the new Iraqi government. The one that was not apparently going after the Iraqi security forces took place in southern Baghdad. Not clear who the insurgents were trying to target there. It happened at a marketplace just outside of one of the shops. At least nine Iraqis killed in that attack. And some information just in from the U.S. military, two suicide bombers attacking in the northern city of Mosul. We know that at least one Iraqi child was killed in those attacks. It happened in a residential neighborhood, and several others wounded.
All in all, at least six attacks so far today in Iraq. At least 12 wounded. At least 12 killed, excuse me, and at least 40 wounded. U.S. military says this is really just the insurgents' attempt to try and discredit Iraq's new government. That new government is supposed to be sworn in tomorrow -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And what else can you tell us about this Australian hostage that we just saw in that video, Ryan?
CHILCOTE: His name is Douglas Wood. He is, as you said, Australian citizen. He has been residing in California for a little bit more than a decade now. He was working here as a contractor. He was abducted yesterday, and that is when he appeared in some insurgent video that was distributed to television agencies, quite familiar video to all of us by now. He is shown on his knees, between two gunmen, holding rifles at him.
There he pleads for his life saying he doesn't want to die. He pleads with Australian, British and U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister John Howard, has said that, while Australia will do everything it can to try to win his release, and that while Australia is sending a team here to try and do that, Australia is not going to withdraw any of its troops. and it won't pay any ransom. So they're not going to negotiate with these hostage takers -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ryan Chilcote live from Baghdad, thank you.
Well, she fooled her family, police and the media. Will she be punished for her case of cold feet? Still to come, officials ponder if the runaway bride should be prosecuted. The latest in the investigation coming up.
And later, two teenagers live to share their horrific ordeal after being stranded at sea for days.
And it's one of the hardest jobs often with little financial reward. Millions of women are doing it. Coming later, how do you really feel about motherhood?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: This news just in to CNN comes out of the U.S. Supreme Court, agreeing to get in the middle of an argument between some U.S. universities and the federal government. Getting in the middle of a lawsuit that the disputes whether colleges and universities may bar military recruiters from their campuses, without fear of losing federal funds.
These 25 law schools have restricted recruiters and protest to the Pentagon's policy of excluding openly gay people from serving in the military service. The High Court will take that under discussion in their next term, which begins in October.
Seventeen minutes after the hour. Let's get on to suburban, Atlanta. A case of cold feet could lead to criminal charges. The county prosecutor says he's going to begin his research today on whether runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks should be charged.
Meanwhile, police are tallying the costs off last week's extensive searches and investigation. There are reports that Jennifer Wilbanks herself will speak to the media, possibly as early as this morning.
Charles Molineaux joins us now with the latest.
Charles, good morning.
CHARLES MOLINEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. We are standing by for an announcement within the next hour or so, from the Duluth Police Department, which may give us some idea about where this case is going to go next. The case which is at its heart a pretty mundane instance of somebody having second thoughts about a wedding. But instead, ended up sucking a community and police here, and half way across the country. Suddenly a much bigger deal.
Let the society columns report that the bride wore stripes for her march through the concourse in Albuquerque's airport on Saturday. That was when Jennifer Wilbanks made her flight back home to Georgia to face the music. Her fiance, John Mason, their families in their hometown, Duluth, Georgia, were expecting the worst when she went missing last Tuesday.
The news that she took off on a bus to Las Vegas and then ended up in Albuquerque, calling home to Duluth with a phony story about being kidnapped stunned the families, the community and a lot of people who spent energy, emotion and money looking for her.
The Duluth district -- rather the district attorney here in Gwinnett County, Georgia says freaking out and skipping town is one thing. But if Jennifer Wilbanks actually planned this out, she could indeed get hit with criminal charges.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DANNY PORTER, D.A., GWINNETT COUNTY, GA.: At this point it's too early to determine whether a crime has been committed. I've got to do some research on whether or not a call to Duluth would give us jurisdiction over the false report of the crime. The potential of the crimes we're looking at are false report, which is a misdemeanor and false statements which is a felony.
(END VIDEO CLIP) MOLINEAUX: Well, D.A. Danny Porter says he's heard mixed reviews from the community, about 50/50 as to whether or not she should be really facing the music, or whether everyone should be compassionate with her in a difficult time. But given the difficult situation to which she subjected her families as well as the police, and volunteers who went out and expended quite a bit of energy looking for her, he says he's going to let the law dictate where to go next -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And this word that we might hear from her making some kind of statement, what are you hearing about that, Charles?
MOLINEAUX: We are hearing just smatterings about that. Nothing official yet. The only official word we are expecting is something along the lines of a formal press conference from the police and the city of Duluth, that to be taking place probably in the next couple of hours.
KAGAN: All right. We will look for that live from CNN. Charles Molineaux in Duluth, Georgia, thank you.
Police in Belmont, Pennsylvania say they have no solid leads in the disappearance of a prosecutor. Ray Gricar has been missing for more than two weeks now. Authorities say he didn't return home after going for a drive. His car was later found at an antique's market about 45 miles from his home. Gricar's girlfriend said he was looking forward to retirement at the end of the year.
Well, it was a fishing trip that put two teenagers in extreme danger. Stranded at sea for days, the young men tell their story of survival.
All right, Gerri Willis has some financial survival tips.
Hi, Ger.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN-FN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn, good to see you. Happy Monday. We're talking about living to tell the tale of getting the raise you want when you're talking to your boss when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Well, whether you work at a factory or Fortune 500 office, you probably want more money. So how do you even negotiate for a raise either in your current job or that new one?
Joining us for "Top 5 Tips," our personal finance editor Gerri Willis.
Gerri, good to see you back here with us feeling better.
WILLIS: Well, thank you so much, Daryn. You know, tip No. 1 today, you've really got to some soul searching. Here's why. You may not just be frustrated with the money. There may be other things on your list you need to think about. Is it the title? Is it the perks? Is it the job opportunities? Maybe it's just the office. There should be a lot of things on your list you want to talk about and negotiate. Prioritize that list before you see the boss.
KAGAN: How do you know how much to ask for?
WILLIS: Well, here's the bottom line, Daryn. The average raise this year, 3.5 percent. And you may think you're worth it because you think you're a real superstar. But you need to do some analysis and say am I really delivering what the company needs? Am I giving them what they want and what they deserve? You need to do that by talking to your boss ahead of time. But if you want to prove you're a real superstar, you're going to have to marshal the evidence to show your boss.
KAGAN: Right. It's not about demanding. It's about showing what you deserve.
WILLIS: That's right. You know, four words you don't want to say, "I need more money." That is a negotiation nonstarter. You have got to prove it. Make sure your boss understands what you're delivering to the bottom line. It's always good if you can show numbers in support of your cause. But don't demand. It's not a good negotiating tactic.
KAGAN: Let's get to the part where we play hardball.
WILLIS: OK. Never make that first bid. If you're sitting down with your boss, and they want to open the negotiation by saying what do you want? You don't respond with a number. You try to make them come across with a number first. Because it's much easier to negotiate if they've got a number on the table first.
KAGAN: Wow. That's a good point.
And finally, there's other things to negotiate besides money.
WILLIS: Yes. you know, you may find that your boss just doesn't have the money this year to do it, despite the fact the economy has been improving and employers have been doing better. If they don't, there are other things you can sign up for. Maybe you can get some help with educational class. Maybe they'll pay for your gym. Maybe if you can just get that corner office or a better office than you have now.
There should be other things on your list that you're ready to negotiate with, to show your own flexibility too, when you're sitting down with that boss -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And an even more valuable employee. Gerri Willis thank you.
WILLIS: Thank you.
KAGAN: Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY, one courageous little boy is being hailed as a hero this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was thinking he was going to die. But then I knew to stay calm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Well, he did stay calm. And he might have saved his father's life. We'll hear about what he did coming up.
Plus, you say you have to juggle a lot of things all at once? How do moms feel about motherhood and working? One study put that question to the test.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: We're getting very close to the half hour. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's a look about what's happening now in the news.
Right now, U.S. Army Reservist Lynndie England goes before a judge to plead guilty in the Iraqi prisoner abuse story. The 22-year- old appears in some of the most notorious photos of prisoners being humiliated and taunted. If the Army judge accepts the reduced charges, England could still face 11 years in prison.
Four separate bombs exploded across Baghdad today killing 11 and wounding 29 others. The bombs apparently targeted both Iraqi soldiers and police officers. The leader of Baghdad's Commando Forces escaped injury in one of those blasts.
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Aired May 2, 2005 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: We'll go ahead and get started. Let's take a look at what's happening now in the news.
An ammunition dump exploded in northern Afghanistan today, destroying an entire neighborhood. Officials say 28 people were killed, 70 others wounded. The dump belonged to a local militia commander. No word on the cause.
And take a look at these pictures of a rescue at sea. A U.S. Navy crew in throwing a life preservers to passengers of a capsized boat. It happened 25 miles off of the coast of Somalia. Eighty-nine people were saved, five were killed, several are still missing. U.S. and German warships were in the area conducting anti-terrorism operations.
Here in the U.S., a prosecutor in suburban Atlanta is considering whether to press charges against the so-called runaway bride. A case of cold feet apparently made Jennifer Wilbanks take a bus across country last week. Wilbanks' disappearance prompted a massive search by law enforcement and volunteers in her hometown.
Florida Governor Jeb Bus, a live picture here from Florida. He is about to sign the Jessica Lunsford Act into law this hour. The bill requires a 25-year minimum prison term for those who prey on the youngest children. Once out of prison, the sexual offender would be tracked by satellite for life. The bill is named for 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, allegedly killed by a sex offender last March.
Good morning on this Monday morning. Let's get the week started. I'm Daryn Kagan.
This hour, a so-called poster child in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal is in court. Right now, one of the most recognizable and photographed soldiers at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison appears before a U.S. Army judge. Twenty-two-year-old Reservist Lynndie England is seeking leniency.
Our national correspondent Susan Candiotti is at Ft. Hood, Texas where the proceedings are being held at this hour.
Susan, good morning.
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Yes, like six others before her, Private Lynndie England is expected to plead guilty for her alleged role in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. Her ex-boyfriend, Charles Graner pleaded not guilty. A jury did not believe him and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Now, while Lynndie England has always insisted that she was simply following orders when prisoners were abused, she now has other things to think about. She is a new mother now, and her attorney has said that a plea deal was always a possibility.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PFC. LYNNDIE ENGLAND, RESERVIST, U.S. ARMY: You think you're taking the right road, and it ends up being the wrong one so...
CANDIOTTI (voice over): Lynndie England, now an young unwed mother after an affair at Abu Ghraib prison, wants to make a deal to avoid years behind bars herself. She was once called the poster child of the Iraqi prison scandal. Now the Army reservist from rural West Virginia is prepared to plead guilty, perhaps as early as today.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: We will get back to Lynndie England story and the Susan Candiotti in a moment.
First live to Florida. Here's Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Let's listen in.
GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: ... as it relates to sexual predators and sexual offenders, and this bill will make our laws even tougher. And I think it is right and just that it's the case.
I appreciate the fact that Mark Lunsford is here, as well as Kelly May. Their daughters did not deserve the incredible treatment that they received. Their deaths, however, weren't in vain. And I just appreciate so much, I appreciate it so much that you've come to participate in this bill signing.
The bill also requires that sex offenders, whose victims are children, will be electronically monitored during their probation. It requires the sexual offenders to report twice a year to law enforcement. Currently, they're only required to report at their initial registration. This means that these offenders will have to report twice a year in person, to update the registration data. Those that fail to register are charged with a third degree felony.
The bill also creates a new qualifier, which could result in a sex -- sexual predator facing the death penalty. It also changes the law. and again, I appreciate the legislature's quick but thoughtful action on this. Senator Argenziano and Representative Dean were sponsors of this bill. And they dealt with many of the issues that we saw unfold over the last few months. And one of those was anybody harboring or assisting a sex predator, or offender could face a third degree felony now, after I sign this bill into law. And that is more than appropriate.
The bill also requires county probation officials to conduct searches of sex offender and predator. The registry that is run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to determine whether their probationer is a sex offender, that information has always been available to them. Now it will be a law that they must provide that make that search as they do their business. And it also requires the court to make a finding that a sex offender who violates probation is not a danger to the community, before releasing them on bond.
This is a comprehensive piece of legislation. And I so much appreciate that you all are here and with that -- Mark.
KAGAN: And with that Governor Jeb Bush signs this new Jessica Lunsford Act into law. Her father, Mark Lunsford, there on hand. Also the family of Sarah Lunde, a another Florida girl who was killed over the last couple of months in Ruskin, Florida.
This new law will require those who prey on the youngest to be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison. And if they get out, they'll have to use -- oh, a very emotional mark Lunsford there. They will have to be tracked with the satellite, with a GPS for the rest of their life.
We're going to make great use of our Susan Candiotti here, one of our most industrial reporters.
Susan, you covered the Mark Lunsford and the Jessica Lunsford story as it was unfolding. We're going to get back to your story in Texas about Abu Ghraib in just a moment. But your comments about what you see happen so quickly here in Florida, a legislative response to these terrible, gruesome murders of these two girls.
CANDIOTTI: Well, after having covered not only the Jessica Lunsford case but also the disappearance and murder of Sarah Lunde, clearly this was the impetus that was needed for politicians in Florida to, at the request of the victims in this case, the surviving victims in this case, to get a push to do something to toughen up the laws in the state of Florida. And clearly, that is what has taken place.
In the Jessica Lunsford case, it's interesting to note that one of the new aspects of the new legislation involves harboring sex criminals. Now, you might recall that in the case of Jessica Lunsford, relatives of the suspected murderer in this case, he was living with them in a trailer. And when police went to question the relatives, they were told that he wasn't there. Or they didn't mention that he was there in the trailer. Of course, they were not charged in that particular case, but in the future, there would be that possibility.
So this is certainly a day that Jessica's father has looked forward to, as well as the family of Sarah Lunde that, perhaps in the future, this type of thing can be prevented if there is a closer watch kept on sex offenders.
KAGAN: Now, let's go back to the story you're covering today n Ft. Hood Texas, about Lynndie England. We had to interrupt your piece to go live to Florida. The gist of what will probably happen to Lynndie England today. CANDIOTTI: Yes, she is expected to plead guilty, like several have before her. Because after all, she did originally face the possibility of 16 years in prison. This now reduces the possibility to 11 years in prison. But there are signs that behind the scenes attorneys, for both sides, have worked out a possible cap for as little as two years in prison. So she's expected to stand before the judge at any moment now, enter a guilty plea. If the judge accepts it, she is then expected to ask for a jury to decide her fate.
Now, if for some reason, they come back and say that she deserves something higher than, for example, two years, then whatever they say would be ignored. And it would work out in her favor if the jury decides on something less than, for example, two years.
A jury would not be seated until tomorrow. And then that's like a mini trial, the sentencing phase, because witnesses would be presented on both sides.
Now, England's ex-boyfriend, Charles Graner, who is believed to have fathered her baby boy, is on the defense witness list, so he could be here to testify. However, his attorneys tell me that he is actually now married to someone else, another convicted participant in this scandal, which is now starting to look more and more like a soap opera -- Daryn.
KAGAN: It certainly is. And which brings us to the baby, who is raising that baby?
CANDIOTTI: Well, Lynndie England has been taking care of her own baby, while awaiting court-martial, with help from her mother. So presumably her mother would take care of her baby boy.
KAGAN: All right. Susan Candiotti, earning your keep today I have to say, covering both stories for us. Thank you, Susan.
To Iraq now, violence surging yet again in the capital. Insurgents today detonating more car bombs across Baghdad. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 29 wounded. An Australian contractor has appeared in the videotape begging for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq. The prime minister says he will not negotiate with terrorists.
And Italy is challenging the U.S. report that cleared American soldiers for firing on this ca, as it carried a freed hostage. The journalist was wounded and an Italian agent shielding her was killed in the incident.
For more on the violence in Iraq, let's go to Baghdad and CNN's Ryan Chilcote.
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn. Well, a violent beginning to the week here in Baghdad. Already today we've had four car bombs go off. Three of the four apparently targeting Iraqi security forces. Quite consistent with a pattern we've seen over the last two to three weeks of the insurgents going after symbols of the new Iraqi government. The one that was not apparently going after the Iraqi security forces took place in southern Baghdad. Not clear who the insurgents were trying to target there. It happened at a marketplace just outside of one of the shops. At least nine Iraqis killed in that attack. And some information just in from the U.S. military, two suicide bombers attacking in the northern city of Mosul. We know that at least one Iraqi child was killed in those attacks. It happened in a residential neighborhood, and several others wounded.
All in all, at least six attacks so far today in Iraq. At least 12 wounded. At least 12 killed, excuse me, and at least 40 wounded. U.S. military says this is really just the insurgents' attempt to try and discredit Iraq's new government. That new government is supposed to be sworn in tomorrow -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And what else can you tell us about this Australian hostage that we just saw in that video, Ryan?
CHILCOTE: His name is Douglas Wood. He is, as you said, Australian citizen. He has been residing in California for a little bit more than a decade now. He was working here as a contractor. He was abducted yesterday, and that is when he appeared in some insurgent video that was distributed to television agencies, quite familiar video to all of us by now. He is shown on his knees, between two gunmen, holding rifles at him.
There he pleads for his life saying he doesn't want to die. He pleads with Australian, British and U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister John Howard, has said that, while Australia will do everything it can to try to win his release, and that while Australia is sending a team here to try and do that, Australia is not going to withdraw any of its troops. and it won't pay any ransom. So they're not going to negotiate with these hostage takers -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ryan Chilcote live from Baghdad, thank you.
Well, she fooled her family, police and the media. Will she be punished for her case of cold feet? Still to come, officials ponder if the runaway bride should be prosecuted. The latest in the investigation coming up.
And later, two teenagers live to share their horrific ordeal after being stranded at sea for days.
And it's one of the hardest jobs often with little financial reward. Millions of women are doing it. Coming later, how do you really feel about motherhood?
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KAGAN: This news just in to CNN comes out of the U.S. Supreme Court, agreeing to get in the middle of an argument between some U.S. universities and the federal government. Getting in the middle of a lawsuit that the disputes whether colleges and universities may bar military recruiters from their campuses, without fear of losing federal funds.
These 25 law schools have restricted recruiters and protest to the Pentagon's policy of excluding openly gay people from serving in the military service. The High Court will take that under discussion in their next term, which begins in October.
Seventeen minutes after the hour. Let's get on to suburban, Atlanta. A case of cold feet could lead to criminal charges. The county prosecutor says he's going to begin his research today on whether runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks should be charged.
Meanwhile, police are tallying the costs off last week's extensive searches and investigation. There are reports that Jennifer Wilbanks herself will speak to the media, possibly as early as this morning.
Charles Molineaux joins us now with the latest.
Charles, good morning.
CHARLES MOLINEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. We are standing by for an announcement within the next hour or so, from the Duluth Police Department, which may give us some idea about where this case is going to go next. The case which is at its heart a pretty mundane instance of somebody having second thoughts about a wedding. But instead, ended up sucking a community and police here, and half way across the country. Suddenly a much bigger deal.
Let the society columns report that the bride wore stripes for her march through the concourse in Albuquerque's airport on Saturday. That was when Jennifer Wilbanks made her flight back home to Georgia to face the music. Her fiance, John Mason, their families in their hometown, Duluth, Georgia, were expecting the worst when she went missing last Tuesday.
The news that she took off on a bus to Las Vegas and then ended up in Albuquerque, calling home to Duluth with a phony story about being kidnapped stunned the families, the community and a lot of people who spent energy, emotion and money looking for her.
The Duluth district -- rather the district attorney here in Gwinnett County, Georgia says freaking out and skipping town is one thing. But if Jennifer Wilbanks actually planned this out, she could indeed get hit with criminal charges.
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DANNY PORTER, D.A., GWINNETT COUNTY, GA.: At this point it's too early to determine whether a crime has been committed. I've got to do some research on whether or not a call to Duluth would give us jurisdiction over the false report of the crime. The potential of the crimes we're looking at are false report, which is a misdemeanor and false statements which is a felony.
(END VIDEO CLIP) MOLINEAUX: Well, D.A. Danny Porter says he's heard mixed reviews from the community, about 50/50 as to whether or not she should be really facing the music, or whether everyone should be compassionate with her in a difficult time. But given the difficult situation to which she subjected her families as well as the police, and volunteers who went out and expended quite a bit of energy looking for her, he says he's going to let the law dictate where to go next -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And this word that we might hear from her making some kind of statement, what are you hearing about that, Charles?
MOLINEAUX: We are hearing just smatterings about that. Nothing official yet. The only official word we are expecting is something along the lines of a formal press conference from the police and the city of Duluth, that to be taking place probably in the next couple of hours.
KAGAN: All right. We will look for that live from CNN. Charles Molineaux in Duluth, Georgia, thank you.
Police in Belmont, Pennsylvania say they have no solid leads in the disappearance of a prosecutor. Ray Gricar has been missing for more than two weeks now. Authorities say he didn't return home after going for a drive. His car was later found at an antique's market about 45 miles from his home. Gricar's girlfriend said he was looking forward to retirement at the end of the year.
Well, it was a fishing trip that put two teenagers in extreme danger. Stranded at sea for days, the young men tell their story of survival.
All right, Gerri Willis has some financial survival tips.
Hi, Ger.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN-FN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn, good to see you. Happy Monday. We're talking about living to tell the tale of getting the raise you want when you're talking to your boss when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
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KAGAN: Well, whether you work at a factory or Fortune 500 office, you probably want more money. So how do you even negotiate for a raise either in your current job or that new one?
Joining us for "Top 5 Tips," our personal finance editor Gerri Willis.
Gerri, good to see you back here with us feeling better.
WILLIS: Well, thank you so much, Daryn. You know, tip No. 1 today, you've really got to some soul searching. Here's why. You may not just be frustrated with the money. There may be other things on your list you need to think about. Is it the title? Is it the perks? Is it the job opportunities? Maybe it's just the office. There should be a lot of things on your list you want to talk about and negotiate. Prioritize that list before you see the boss.
KAGAN: How do you know how much to ask for?
WILLIS: Well, here's the bottom line, Daryn. The average raise this year, 3.5 percent. And you may think you're worth it because you think you're a real superstar. But you need to do some analysis and say am I really delivering what the company needs? Am I giving them what they want and what they deserve? You need to do that by talking to your boss ahead of time. But if you want to prove you're a real superstar, you're going to have to marshal the evidence to show your boss.
KAGAN: Right. It's not about demanding. It's about showing what you deserve.
WILLIS: That's right. You know, four words you don't want to say, "I need more money." That is a negotiation nonstarter. You have got to prove it. Make sure your boss understands what you're delivering to the bottom line. It's always good if you can show numbers in support of your cause. But don't demand. It's not a good negotiating tactic.
KAGAN: Let's get to the part where we play hardball.
WILLIS: OK. Never make that first bid. If you're sitting down with your boss, and they want to open the negotiation by saying what do you want? You don't respond with a number. You try to make them come across with a number first. Because it's much easier to negotiate if they've got a number on the table first.
KAGAN: Wow. That's a good point.
And finally, there's other things to negotiate besides money.
WILLIS: Yes. you know, you may find that your boss just doesn't have the money this year to do it, despite the fact the economy has been improving and employers have been doing better. If they don't, there are other things you can sign up for. Maybe you can get some help with educational class. Maybe they'll pay for your gym. Maybe if you can just get that corner office or a better office than you have now.
There should be other things on your list that you're ready to negotiate with, to show your own flexibility too, when you're sitting down with that boss -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And an even more valuable employee. Gerri Willis thank you.
WILLIS: Thank you.
KAGAN: Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY, one courageous little boy is being hailed as a hero this morning.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was thinking he was going to die. But then I knew to stay calm.
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KAGAN: Well, he did stay calm. And he might have saved his father's life. We'll hear about what he did coming up.
Plus, you say you have to juggle a lot of things all at once? How do moms feel about motherhood and working? One study put that question to the test.
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KAGAN: We're getting very close to the half hour. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's a look about what's happening now in the news.
Right now, U.S. Army Reservist Lynndie England goes before a judge to plead guilty in the Iraqi prisoner abuse story. The 22-year- old appears in some of the most notorious photos of prisoners being humiliated and taunted. If the Army judge accepts the reduced charges, England could still face 11 years in prison.
Four separate bombs exploded across Baghdad today killing 11 and wounding 29 others. The bombs apparently targeted both Iraqi soldiers and police officers. The leader of Baghdad's Commando Forces escaped injury in one of those blasts.
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