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One Arrested in Murder of Florida Couple; Illinois Family Has 40 Relatives Buried in Burr Oak; Swim Club Accused of Racism Working for Resolution; NASA Readies Endeavour For Launch; Judge Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Starts Monday; G.M. Leaves Bankruptcy

Aired July 12, 2009 - 18:00   ET

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

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Good evening, everyone. I'm Don Lemon.

You know, we begin with breaking news of an arrest tonight in last week's double killing of a well-known Florida couple. They lived near Pensacola with 16 children, many of them with special needs. We are awaiting a police news conference right now.

Our David Mattingly is there.

David, what can you tell us? We're hearing there is an arrest, and I can see them getting ready for that press conference behind you.

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Don. One arrest in this case, about the double homicide -- the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings. They were found dead in their home on Thursday evening.

Police say that their investigators say that this case was tied to a discovery of a large red van that was caught on security cameras at the couples' home. That van was found yesterday. They brought it in. They've been going through it, combing it for evidence.

They've had two people that they have been talking to as persons of interest. And we found out, just a short time ago, that one of those persons has been arrested. There is a third person connected with this crime that they're also still looking for.

We hope to hear more details as the sheriff takes the podium right here behind me to give us an update of what they've been doing today.

But this case he says, as of Saturday, was going rather slow. They were running into a lot of roadblocks and dead-ends, that was until they got a tip where to find that he large red van. It was made by Dodge in the late '70s, early '80s. It was thought it would stand out like a sore thumb.

Somebody did spot it, directed police on how to find it. They brought it in and they brought in two people connected with that van after they start asking questions about it. Those two men were persons of interest.

And now, one -- we believe -- one of those two men, we believe, has been arrested. No names. No details. And the sheriff is going to bring those to us shortly.

LEMON: Yes, David, we are going to stick with this a little bit and see if this gets underway. I want to ask you, because this is a very interesting story, very odd the way it went down.

And from what I'm gathering from your reporting last night, police believe that this was a professional situation, the way they went in, the way they were organized -- but also, there were children at home at the time and one of those children may have been old enough to offer police some help?

MATTINGLY: Well, a couple of things here. First of all, not necessarily a professional job but because the men were able to get in and out so quickly, it suggested to the sheriff here that it was possibly they had some kind of experience.

Now, regarding the children, there were eight children at home at the time of the murder. Six of those children have Down syndrome. One of the children actually saw the men going out of the house and getting back into the van. So, that there was some helpful information coming from at least one of these children for investigators to start on.

But there were also surveillance cameras or security cameras inside the home as well as outside. So, they were able to capture images of this van and of three young, white men, who went inside this home, broke in through two doors in what looked like a coordinated attack on Thursday evening.

LEMON: All right. David Mattingly -- David, stand by.

We are going to get some other news in. But we're going to continue to monitor where David is, and as soon as that press conference gets under way, we're going to go right back to David and get that on for you. But in the meantime, police are telling us there is an arrest in the slaying of a Florida couple who had 16 children, some of those children with Down syndrome. We'll get back to that story.

Meantime, you know, saying goodbye to a loved one, it is hard enough. You know that. But imagine having to relive it. Hundreds of families are doing just that after a shocking story of grave desecration and body dismemberment surface at a cemetery out of Chicago.

CNN's Cheryl Jackson spoke with a family who has dozens of loved ones who are buried there. She joins us now live from the cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.

I'm hearing, Cheryl, 40 family members buried at this particular cemetery?

CHERYL JACKSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's right. Well, you know, on the other side of that cemetery -- there is Burr Oak Cemetery. And police are there putting down flags, red flags, yellow flags. We don't know if they are very evidence or for mapping, but as the police search for answers, the families are distraught as they wait.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't understand how people could do that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now, they have no...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just do not understand. They are all piled up on top of each other in one area.

JACKSON (voice-over): Sisters Rosie Lampson (ph) and Ann Sleigh (ph) and their niece Janet Joseph say they have about 40 family members buried at Burr Oak Cemetery.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There's Ike and Tina Manning (ph). This is their oldest son, our brother, Lloyd. This is my sister Ursine Manning (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is my mom.

JACKSON: One funeral program after another shows where their loved ones were laid to rest. Now, they say there is no rest for anyone connected with Burr Oak.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When we finally buried them where they are at peace now. So we can't even say they are at peace now, because they dug up their remains and done who knows what. How heartless can people be.

JACKSON: Police say four Burr Oak employees are responsible for digging up graves and reselling them. Files and files of human remains were found above the ground at the cemetery, some mingled and crumbled with the cement vaults they were buried in, other remains scattered throughout the grounds.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As long as my relatives have been out there, they may have dug them up and put something on top of them.

JACKSON: Records do indicate that some graves may have more than one body in them. Janet Joseph mother died about 20 years ago, information from police leads her to believe that her mother's grave may have been targeted.

JANET JOSEPH, FAMILY MEMBER BURIED AT BURR OAK: And they go so far as dismembered the bodies, the bones and put it somewhere else. It is like a serial killer to me.

JACKSON (on camera): It is already hard enough to bury your mother once, what if you have to do it again?

JOSEPH: You know what, I haven't thought about it. If I have to bury her again, I haven't thought about that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have so many questions. We have a lot of questions. So, we're going to hold hands and pray. Whatever that needs to be done, we will do it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JACKSON: Now, police have had over 7,000 requests for grave information. Starting tomorrow, you have to call those requests in to the sheriff's department. They want to use all of their man hours to solve this crime -- Don?

LEMON: All right. Cheryl, thank you very much for your reporting.

We want to go now to suburban Philadelphia, where a group of minority children were booted from a private swim club last week. The pool association denies racism was a reason but a lot of people are not convinced.

We have new developments for you tonight and our Susan Candiotti is on top of them for you.

Susan, what are you hearing?

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Don, the question: is this the first step toward trying to smooth things out? After a heated week of heated words and protests and all kinds of accusations of racism that both -- the swim club has voted to sit down and talk with the daycare center that got the boot and potentially invite them back. It happened after a meeting with members today. A meeting that was called with just a few hours' noticed.

Now, there is a big "if" here. That's if safety issues can be resolved. That's what the club's director is saying, quote, "as long as we can work out safety issues we'd like to have them back," that's from the club director's wife. But it's not clear what will happen next.

Here's what Althea Wright is saying. She's with the daycare center. Quote, "They should have done that before. These children are scarred." In her words, "How can I take those children back there?"

So, you will remember, this is the swim club that got into a lot of hot water last week when it was disclosed that they canceled the contract after just one visit from a daycare center that caters to mainly minority and Hispanic children. The children said some members made racist comments to them but the club denied charges of racism and said the contract was terminated because of overcrowding and safety problems.

A lawyer for the daycare center said she won't close doors but has to see what the swim club is offering before deciding how to respond. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission also is investigating and has issued a subpoena to the club for records as well as a formal complaint. Its chairperson tells us tonight that he hopes the two groups can resolve the matter amicably.

Let's see, Don, whether that is possible.

LEMON: That would be a good resolution. Hopefully, they can come to some resolution, probably a better way of putting it.

Thank you, Susan Candiotti.

We are a little more than an hour away from tonight's scheduled launch of the space shuttle Endeavour, a mission that's been waiting for weeks just to get off the ground.

Our John Zarrella is at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, live with the very latest on that.

Fingers crossed, John.

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, the weather -- weather this time. It was hydrogen leaks, Don, that kept the shuttle grounded the last two attempts. They got those fixed. No problems fuelling the vehicle this time. The astronauts are onboard.

But now, if I look up to the northwest, there's a big thunderstorm brewing and it's within 20 miles of the landing site. And that's important -- because if there were a launch and the shuttle had to make an emergency landing back here at the Kennedy Space Center, they want clear skies, no lightning, no thunderstorms, no rain. And right now, that storm is within 20 miles and that is problematic. So, they are no-go.

But the astronauts are onboard the shuttle. They left the operations and check out the building a couple of hours ago, led by Commander Mark Polansky.

And it's interesting -- Polansky is going to be tweeting on this mission. Polansky said that, at a press conference earlier, that he didn't know the difference between a Twitter and a tweet and a Facebook and a MySpace until he got into this, but he found out that there is a huge audience out there and he's getting a lot of response to that.

And Dave Wolf, the mission specialist, when he walked out, he raised his hands to the sky and said "thank you" because that's as far as they've gotten so far in a countdown, actually getting to the launch pad and getting onboard. The astronauts are onboard; they're ready to go.

And now, with Endeavour, when it lifts off, there will actually only be about seven flights left. And, you know, weather was a problem, caused them to delay yesterday.

NASA captured some spectacular video of lightning storms in the area Friday night and into yesterday that forced them to delay until today, the liftoff. Just incredible summer thunderstorms here in Florida producing intense lightning.

And again, only seven missions left after this one. And once the shuttle program is over, the United States is going to have to rely on the Russians to get to the International Space Station until the next generation vehicle is ready to go about five years from now. And that's not sitting well with everyone.

I had a chance to sit down and talk with Robert Cabana, the director of the Kennedy Space Center here. He and many others wish it weren't this way.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT CABANA, DIRECTOR, NASA: I want a U.S. capability. The Russians were good partners during the Columbia downtime. You know, we could not have maintained the space station without our Russian partners. And that's why it's really important to have more than one way to access space.

And when we go, you know, back to the moon, do we want partnership? Absolutely. But do we want to have to rely on another country for flying our astronauts to space? Absolutely not.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ZARRELLA: Now, once they get off the ground, 16-day mission, 13 people in space: seven on the shuttle, six on the international Space Station. It's going to be the largest gathering out there ever. So, hopefully, they'll get this vehicle off the ground tonight -- Don?

LEMON: We hope so. I was going to say, you stole Jacqui Jeras' thunder or maybe lightning, because you gave the weather forecast there. Thank you. We'll be checking back with you.

Meantime, Jacqui...

ZARRELLA: Sorry, Jacqui.

LEMON: Meantime, Jacqui, he's apologizing. But, you know, where is that storm and where's all the lightning and everything there?

ZARRELLA: Yes, we'll go ahead and show that right now, Don. Here you can see the space center, it's right over here. And this is the thunderstorm that we're going to be looking at. It's kind of moving east/southeast. So, we still have an hour to get this thing out of that 20-mile range that we're talking about. But it still just kind of on the cusp, holding west of I-95.

So, it is looking a little bit questionable right now as to whether or not we are going to get that thunderstorm out of there on time. And there has been some more development up here towards the north and west, and you might be feeding that throughout here, throughout the hours. So, we're going to continue to watch that for you, of course, and keep you up-to-date.

We're also monitoring some strong thunderstorms across the Midwest. Look at this complex. This thing has been going since the overnight hours. It started out into western Missouri, moved through Kansas City about 9:00 this morning. And now, it's making its way through Kentucky and has a history of producing some wind damage. So, be aware of that.

Also, some stormy weather down towards Nashville and across parts of the Deep South. Wind gusts with these storms could be as strong as 60-plus miles per hour or so.

Our other big weather story today continues to be heat. Oh, yes, I know you're tired of me talking about it, but not as tired as you're feeling it certainly. Heat index is well into the triple digits. And this is going to persist for another couple of days, Don. We're also looking at excessive heat out in the Southwest, in Phoenix, in the desert parts of California.

So, it is summer and, boy, it's pretty brutal for a lot of people.

LEMON: You took the words right out of my mouth. It is summer, but you know what...

JERAS: I know, but it's rough.

LEMON: ... it is supposed to be hot, but not that hot.

OK. Thank you, Jacqui. We appreciate it.

Hey, I want to get back to our breaking news now. This is our lead story. An arrest has been made in the slaying of a Florida couple, killed at home while some of their children were inside. We are hearing that, right now, that suspect is having an extensive conversation -- this is according to the people on the ground -- extensive conversations with the investigators. So, that has pushed that press conference back.

Our David Mattingly is there live. We'll bring you the latest just as soon as we get them.

In the meantime, it is the beginning of the final showdown for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. We take a look at what's about -- she's about to face -- I should say, excuse me -- on Capitol Hill.

And then in Boston, no money could mean no zoo. So what would happen to all of these animals? Well, some of them might have to be put down.

And yesterday, we told you about the mysterious death of former boxing champion, Arturo Gatti. Well, today, his wife is a suspect.

You heard our John Zarrella talking about the space shuttle astronauts, they're going to be twittering and tweeting and whatever -- we do it right here, too. Logon to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or iReport.com. We'll get your content -- as we call it -- on the air.

Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: All right. We are following some breaking news that is coming out of Escambia County, Florida -- an arrest in the slaying of a couple with 16 children. Police are about to get a press conference underway right now. Our David Mattingly is standing by live. We'll have the very latest information just as soon as that gets started.

To Washington now, where they are gearing up for tomorrow's start of Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court confirmations hearings. We are told that President Barack Obama gave Sonia Sotomayor a good luck phone call this morning. And he complimented her about her courtesy calls to 89 of the senators who hold her faith.

The White House says the president expressed his confidence that Judge Sotomayor would be confirmed to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court for many years to come. Democrats have the votes to confirm Sonia Sotomayor but she'll still face some tough questions during this week's hearings.

Let's get a preview now from our Kate Bolduan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, SUPREME COURT NOMINEE: Thank you, Mr. President.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A journey that began at the White House now heads to Capitol Hill for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

SOTOMAYOR: I hope that as the Senate and the American people learn more about me, they will see that I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences.

BOLDUAN: Senate Democrats who have the votes to confirm Sotomayor are expected to highlight her personal story to win favor. Growing up poor in Bronx public housing, then going on to an ivy league education, and now possibly, the first Latina Supreme Court justice. A smart approach for Sotomayor as well says former Reagan chief of staff, Ken Duberstein, who's advised several high court nominees.

KEN DUBERSTEIN, FORMER REAGAN CHIEF OF STAFF: Give them an awful lot of your personal life and your values, but also your impartiality. Judge them (ph) as you see them coming.

BOLDUAN: Conservatives have a difficult task ahead, challenging Sotomayor's record without coming across as attacking her. Republicans are expected to ask tough questions about Sotomayor's views on gun rights, abortion and affirmative action. But Republicans think they have a better chance taking on her off-the-bench statements, like this 2005 comment at Duke University.

SOTOMAYOR: Court of Appeals is where policy is made, and I know, and I know this is on tape and I should never say that, because we don't make law. I know.

BOLDUAN: Republicans are also sure to press Sotomayor on her past statement that a wise Latina woman would reach a better conclusion than a white male.

Senator Jeff Sessions is the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SEN. JEFF SESSIONS (R), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: She advocated a view that suggests that your personal experiences, even prejudices -- she uses that word -- it's expected that they would influence the decision you make, which is a blow, I think, at the very ideal of American justice.

BOLDUAN: Democrats, including the committee's chair, will no doubt come quickly to Sotomayor's defense.

SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D), JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN: She has the experience and cases that show her to be a mainstream judge. Anything else is nitpicking.

BOLDUAN (on camera): Sources working closely with Judge Sotomayor tells CNN they've intensified Sotomayor's prep sessions in the past week, trying to make sure she's ready. President Obama has said he wants her confirmed before Congress leaves for its August recess.

Kate Bolduan, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: All right, Kate.

What do you think about Sonia Sotomayor? Well, we are hearing from you.

And CNN deputy political director Paul Steinhauser is live in Washington or D.C., with some tea leaves.

Hello, Paul. What are the polls showing about Sonia Sotomayor?

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Well, Don, we have a brand new poll, CNN/Opinion Research Corporation. We put it out this week.

Take a look. Overall, should the Senate confirms Sonia Sotomayor -- here is what the American people say in our poll: 47 percent yes, 40 percent say she should not be confirmed, and 13 percent, about one in eight Americans still unsure after about six weeks of a lot of coverage. This is really interesting.

Take a look at the breakdown by party, Don, and our poll suggests and indicates that there is a partisan divide. Seven out of 10 Democrats say yes, she should be confirmed. That's what we though we would see.

Independents, though, they're pretty much divided on this one.

And only about one in four Republicans, Don, feel that she should be confirmed. Look at that lower right figure, 65 percent -- that's a lot of Republicans there who say Sonia Sotomayor should not be confirmed.

LEMON: Hmm. I'm wondering if this is leading up to possibly some contentious hearings this week. What do you think?

STEINHAUSER: Well, we asked that about -- we asked that in our poll. And take a look. This is something Americans do agree on, but it's probably not the best news in the world. Six in 10 say that they think there is going to be a lot of fighting and kind of a -- this week in the confirmation hearings. Only about four in 10 feel there are going to be agreements and partisanship and maybe a kumbaya moment on these confirmation hearings, Don.

LEMON: OK, Paul. So, who are some of the major players that at this week's hearings? Who are we going to be hearing from?

STEINHAUSER: Well, one of them, you just saw on Kate's piece, the lead Republican on the committee, he's Senator Jeff Sessions from Alabama. He's the ranking Republican. He may be the one who takes charge and lead the way if Republicans try to go after her and say she is an activist judge. Another Republican to keep your eye on is John Cornyn of Texas.

And among the Democrats, Don, two new Democrats that should be interesting to watch: Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania -- remember he used to be Republican -- and the brand new senator from Minnesota, Al Franken, he's on the committee.

LEMON: Ah, OK. Paul Steinhauser with the tea leaves -- Paul, thank you.

STEINHAUSER: Thanks, Don.

LEMON: All right. Appreciate it.

And CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, he's to join us tonight at 10:00 Eastern for more on Judge Sotomayor and the confirmation process. You want to join us for that, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. Jeffrey will break it down for us as well.

And remember, you can see Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings live right here on CNN. The pointed questions about her background, her rulings from the bench and more -- all this week, live right here on CNN.

A former boxing champion's wife is now a suspect in his death, plus, the Jackson 5 lost their leader, but not their desire to hit the stage once again.

We're also following breaking news coming out of Florida.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: We want to update you now on our breaking news. This is our lead story that we're monitoring out of Florida. Press conference is about to get underway very shortly. We're going to bring it to you live. Florida police say that they have made an arrest in the killings of the two people that you saw right there -- a couple who have 16 children. Some of the children were at home at that time; some of the children have Down syndrome.

That is the home there. That is the family that you're looking at.

We are being told by our people on the ground that the suspect they have arrested is now in extensive talks, conversations with investigators. So, we are going to get some information from this press conference just as soon as it gets underway. Why did this happen? Why were these people targeted? We'll find out for you -- hopefully, within this broadcast. We're on for the next hour and a half. So, we'll have it for you.

The death of U.S. lightweight boxing champion, Arturo Gatti, well, it may have been a homicide. That's what we're being told. The boxer's 23-year-old wife is now being held by Brazilian authorities.

The Gattis were on vacation in Brazil with their young child when he was found dead in their hotel room yesterday. Police confirmed to CNN that Gatti appeared to have been strangled. Brazilian news reports say a bloody purse strap was found at the scene.

Mark your calendars, Saturday, August 29th, Las Vegas, a star- studded tribute and benefit concert honoring Michael Jackson. That's according to "The Las Vegas Review-Journal." The newspaper says all the big names from the Vegas Strip will appear in the show which will be at the Palm Casino. August 29th is Jackson's birthday. He would have been 51 years old.

The paper also says Jermaine Jackson is talking to a casino, to executives, about a possible Jackson brother reunion show. We reported that very early on in the investigation, that that was in the works, maybe even before Michael Jackson's death.

General Motors moved swiftly to emerge from bankruptcy but will you buy what it is selling? We'll talk to the CEO.

And there it is, folks. Take a look.

These are live pictures, right, coming from Florida?

The space shuttle Endeavour -- they are live pictures -- less than an hour away from one of its last missions. We're told it's going to bring up the biggest number of people in space by the time they get up there, these are astronauts. I think 13 people in space at once. They are going to be twittering and on Facebook.

We are watching the launch. We hope it's a liftoff, weather permitting. You'll see it live right here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Following two live stories here on CNN. To the left of your screen you see the space shuttle "Endeavour," hopefully, weather permitting.

On the right, a very sad story out of Florida. Police say they have arrested a person in connection of the murder of a Florida couple with 16 children.

We're following both stories for you. A press conference about to get underway in the murder investigation. We'll bring it to you live right here on CNN.

Meantime, General Motors got out of bankruptcy faster than almost anyone expected. The company ditched a huge load of debt and positioned itself for future growth. Now comes the hard part, will anyone buy its cars?

That is the bottom line, isn't it, Poppy Harlow?

From CNNmoney.com, she joins us from New York.

That's the bottom line. If nobody buys the cars, it really doesn't matter, does it?

POPPY HARLOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That is exactly right, Don. G.M. promising after $50 billion of our money, taxpayer aid propping this company right now, folks, that they'll make cars people will want to buy.

I hear what they're doing to try to succeed down the road. They are smaller. They are cutting their dealership network from 6,000 to 3,600. They have unloaded billions upon billions of debt in the bankruptcy process. They are closing 16 U.S. plants and that means 20,000 U.S. workers at G.M. will lose their jobs by the end of the year.

But they are also going to launch a lot new cars, ten new cars across the U.S., 17 new vehicles around the world in the next 18 months.

The real issue is will people want to buy those cars more than they do now. The CEO came out on Friday with this announcement, that I have three priorities, customers, cars and culture.

Don, a bankruptcy proceeding is a financial task. It's not really a culture change at a company. I asked him, can you ensure the American taxpayer that now owns 61 percent of G.M. that the culture at your company has changed from what it was that led it into bankruptcy. Here is what he told me one-on-one.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FRITZ HENDERSON, CEO, GENERAL MOTORS: I've always been a believer that culture is about how you act and how you perform and where you spend your time. Where we are going to be spending our time as a leadership team, from me on down, is great cars, customers being -- singly focused on customers, and finally, making sure we have a culture which is faster, leaner, which has accountability embedded in it. It is all about winning. That is where, as the president of the company, I'm going to spend my time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: Don, this is an executive who has been with General Motors for 25 years. He likes to move very, very quickly. He makes decisions like that. Six weeks in bankruptcy. The company moving quickly. We'll see if they can do it going down the road.

LEMON: I hope so. My dad before he passed, was a huge G.M. guy. That is all he would buy. He would be happy to see this company come back and happy see me driving a G.M. car.

(LAUGHTER)

So let's hope they can do it.

HARLOW: Yes.

LEMON: Thank you very much, Poppy Harlow.

HARLOW: All right.

LEMON: We are monitoring a situation in Pensacola, Florida. We are hearing there is an arrest. Live pictures now of a press conference that is about to get under way in that case. We are hearing that police -- can we get that picture? There we go. It is right there over my left shoulder. There is someone going to podium. I guess they are checking the microphones.

But what we are hearing is the suspect in this case was having an extensive conversation with investigators so that delayed the press conference. As soon as gets under way, we'll bring it to you live. You won't miss any of it. I want to know how this happened. Why this couple, who had 16 children, why were they targeted? Why were they killed while some of the kids were at home? Awful story.

Budget woes threat on the shut down two Boston area zoos. Worst yet, they may have to euthanize some of the exotic animals if they don't get help soon.

Plus, we will delve into depression and why so many African- American women don't recognize the symptoms. It's part of "Black in America 2." Our Soledad O'Brien is looking for solutions.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: We're following two developing stories in Florida. you see the space shuttle "Endeavour" on the left.

A live picture of a press conference about to get away at the Escambia County sheriff's office where somebody has been arrested for the killing of the couple at their home, who have 16 children.

This is how quickly things come in. I want to show you this.

Can you get this over my shoulder? This is Michael Humphrey, a truck operator for CNN. He texted me saying there is a delay. The sheriff will be down in five minutes. I said, do we know what the suspect is saying? He says, unknown at the moment. Hopefully the sheriff will let us know. I have been texting him.

Earlier, he said the perp is talking to police. I say, why the delay? "Hey, I'm at the briefing in Florida."

So we are getting it from everyone, world-wide resources at CNN. Also there on social networking sites. I'm talking to the operator on the scene. And David Mattingly is inside the room where they will hold that press conference. You won't miss any of it.

OK, late night, our Soledad O'Brien brought you an in depth look at depression among black men and the stigmas that keep so many men from getting help. Tonight she explores why so many women suffer from depression and why so few recognize the symptoms -- Soledad?

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Don, sometimes black women are the backbone of the family. They are the very last person sometimes to take time to care for themselves. That means vulnerability often to an illness that affects millions of Americans, depression. But because depression isn't often openly talked about in the black community, black women are sometimes unaware that is what they are suffering from.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN (voice-over): Terrie Williams is a successful publicist with a long list of top tier clients. On the surface she always looked like she had it together, but on the inside...

TERRIE WILILAMS, PUBLICIST: It was so dark. It was the hardest thing in the world to just get up, to shower and to dress and put the mask on, because you had to put the mask on. You had to walk out that door and pretend all was well.

O'BRIEN: Even a background in social work didn't help Terrie see she was suffering from depression.

(on camera): You are a social worker, you know what that means?

WILLIAMS: Exactly.

O'BRIEN: How come you didn't know that's what you had?

WILLIAMS: You don't. You just don't.

O'BRIEN (voice-over): Some mental health experts say there is a reason black women often don't recognize they are depressed.

DR. MARILYN MARTIN, PSYCHIATRIST: It is definitely something that hasn't been talked about in our culture so people don't know what the signs and symptoms of depression are. O'BRIEN: Because it is unrecognized, depression often goes untreated. And some health experts say ignoring their mental health may be causing black women's physical health to suffer, contributing to high rates of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

DR. MICHELE BALAMANI, PSYCHOLOGIST: It has to do with, I call the body screaming. Somehow it has to get out. Something has to break down eventually. So we are breaking down in numbers that are astounding.

O'BRIEN: It was after a mental breakdown that Terrie Williams got help in the form of therapy and medication.

WILLIAMS: I was highly irritable. I snapped at people.

O'BRIEN: She decided to share her story in a book and with audiences around the country. She has been moved bid the response.

WILLIAMS: When I speak about it at these events, I can't tell you the number of people who come after me afterwards and say, that's my story, in tears.

O'BRIEN (on camera): How many of those people who say that's my story, too, are black and female?

WILLIAMS: Overwhelmingly female, black female. Black women carry the nation, carry our communities, you know? We're nurturers. We are care takers, and feel like we have to be there and do for everybody.

O'BRIEN (voice-over): Brenda Gallion (ph) is the oldest of five children and is the one that the family turned to after her sibling became ill and mother was diagnosed to cancer. She cared for everyone.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: Sorry about that. We'll have to get back to that one.

I want to take you now to Florida. An arrest in the killing of a couple.

DAVID MORGAN, SHERIFF, ESCAMBA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: ... in the Billings family murder. You'll get your press packages that will tell you the gentleman's name is Leonard Patrick Gonzalez. He will be charged with tampering with evidence in a murder investigation.

At this time I would like to introduce Mr. Bill Eddens, who is our state attorney here for Escambia County.

Mr. Eddens?

BILL EDDENS, STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: Thank you very much, Sheriff. As the sheriff has indicated, we feel progress is being made. We are pleased this initial arrest has been made. We anticipate additional arrests will be made. We are satisfied with the progress of the investigation. It is a very tedious, intensive investigation. But we are satisfied with the progress.

I will let the sheriff provide any additional information that he would like to provide.

MORGAN: We will open up for any other questions.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: What exactly is tampering with evidence?

EDDENS: Tampering with evidence is like tearing up evidence, destroying evidence, changing evidence in an effort to keep people from being detected or caught.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE).

EDDENS: We really do not want to go into a lot of detail at this time. The sheriff is probably in a better position than I to make the final determination of that aspect of it as far as how much information he would like to release. I'm sure you understand, because of the severity of the charges and the nature of this situation, we are reluctant to provide any significant details at this time.

However, I would like to reiterate that the sheriff and I feel that the investigation is progressing nicely. We are satisfied with the progress of the investigation. We anticipate additional arrests will be made.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it a possibility that Mr. Gonzalez could be linked to the actual murder?

EDDENS: That's to be determined. We prefer not to comment in any detail on that aspect of it at this time. At this time he has been arrested for tampering with evidence. There is a possibility that other charges will be forthcoming.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: That means that you have -- is Mr. Gonzalez one of the two people who was initially brought in as persons of interest? Tell me how you are still looking for. If you can give me a run down.

MORGAN: That is correct. Mr. Gonzalez was one of the initial two people we brought in as a person of interest. At this time, I will only tell you that we are looking at multiple persons of interest at this time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: The three you were originally talking about?

MORGAN: We are looking at multiple persons of interest.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Any idea how many more than... EDDENS: We are not prepared to disclose the number.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: OK.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: How is he related to the owner of the van?

MORGAN: I'm sorry?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: How is he related to the owner of the van?

MORGAN: Mr. Gonzalez is not the owner of the van, OK? Is it not the owner of the van?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE)... evidence involve the -- trying to conceal the van on his own property?

MORGAN: Mr. Gonzalez was involved with altering the appearance of the van.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: In what way?

MORGAN: He was covering damage and painting the van to disguise the van from the video that was released to the press so it would not be readily recognizable.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Was it stolen or was...

MORGAN: The van is not stolen. We have a clear and distinct line of the van, when it was sold, who purchased the van, who re- registered the van. We have all the documentation to show the van.

I'm sorry, sir?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE)

MORGAN: We will not release a motive at this time. I will tell you this. We are anxious to share the story with the citizens of Escambia County and the nation, if you will. It is going to be a humdinger, I tell you that.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: If the person of interest may be related to the owner of the van? If Mr. Gonzalez is not the owner, is he related to the owner?

MORGAN: To the owner?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Of the van.

MORGAN: No ma'am, not at this time, no.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: You said you're looking for multiple people of interest. Is there a reason why the residents in Escambia County to be concerned about people on run, armed? What's the feeling about security and safety right now? MORGAN: Because of the nature of this case, the answer is no. Of course, again, we always tell citizens to exercise reasonable safety and security as they would at any time in any city. We do not have specific threats or do not have any reason to believe citizens are in increased danger because of this crime.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Sheriff, since Gonzalez is the one known to you, does his have a criminal history already? Is someone who has been in trouble before?

MORGAN: Yes, he is.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Do you have details of what types of crime he may or may not have been charged with?

MORGAN: Not at this time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Does Mr. Gonzalez have any connection to the Billings?

MORGAN: No.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Has he made a confession?

MORGAN: We are not prepared to release any information at this time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Can you talk about what happened to the other person of interest?

MORGAN: Not at this time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Are you pursuing suspects connected to the victims?

MORGAN: We are not prepared to release that information at this time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is Mr. -- son involved at all? Is he someone you're looking at?

MORGAN: We're not prepared to release that at this time.

EDDENS: Let me just add, the sheriff has given the same answer several times. He and I have discussed this matter and I support his position. We understand your frustration, but I'm sure you understand, from our point of view that, if we are not extremely careful, we could affect the investigation. And because of that, we have to take it one step at a time.

I think the sheriff and I jointly would like to assure the citizens of this area that the investigation is progressing satisfactorily. We're satisfied with the progress to date. We anticipate future arrests.

MORGAN: Correct. And, what Mr. Eddens just said, understand something, we have to coordinate. Everyone has a part to play in this investigation. We are doing our part from a law enforcement perspective. Today, we spent the better part of the day in conference with Mr. Eddens' office. Why? Because everything we've done must pass legal muster.

As I've told folks, we can conduct the world's best investigation, but if the state attorney's office -- we do this in a vacuum -- says, sheriff that is a nice investigation but there aren't charges we can prosecute, we wasted our time. So the marriage we are keeping together -- it is a happy marriage by the way -- is again stepping through this process to ensure that my part in this, as the chief law enforcement officer, is not to make a mistake that affects Mr. Eddens part when his office comes in to prosecute these cases.

Again, I know you are frustrated that we can't give you certain information but this is our agreement. It is a workable agreement.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Has your investigation of the van produced any evidence?

MORGAN: No, sir, I can't answer.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Can you tell us anything that you might have got from the van?

MORGAN: I can tell you, sir, that the location of the van -- and again, I want to compliment the media for your assistance in this case. the location of that van was the linchpin in this case. My thanks to the media. Had you not placed this in the public venue for us and kept it running, we would not have received the calls and the case would not have progressed. But, yes, the van was pivotal in this investigation.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Was there any evidence recovered that had been buried?

MORGAN: Evidence was recovered but nothing I'm prepared to speak about.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: I know you can't go into specifics about Mr. Gonzalez, but can you tell us if he has a history of drug use or drug arrests?

MORGAN: No.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Can't tell me?

MORGAN: No, ma'am, I cannot.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Does tampering with evidence make you an accessory to the murder? Is it a felony?

EDDENS: There are two charges that are quite similar. We have chosen today to arrest Mr. Gonzalez solely on tampering with evidence. Our investigation is continuing in terms of whether he is an accessory after the fact. There are certain legal issues involved we are evaluating.

The seriousness of both charges is fairly similar. So hopefully, that answers your question.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it a felony then?

EDDENS: Yes, it's third-degree felony.

I believe accessory after the fact is a second, Greg?

It is either second or third.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: The charge as it stands now, what is the penalty?

EDDENS: Maximum of five years in prison unless you have certain prerequisites. And I'm not sure if he does in terms of previous felony convicts. We know he has previous felony convictions. That information will become public in due course. And it could double for ten years.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Do you expect the investigation to expand beyond this region, even nationally or international?

MORGAN: This investigation will expand much larger than anyone had anticipated.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Surveillance, extensive surveillance at that house, at the Billings house, was that in any way factored into this? Had they been threatened before? Was the surveillance put in because of threats?

MORGAN: No, sir. It is my understanding that the Billings family installed the surveillance because of the children that they had in their charge. Children, again, that were special needs, Down's syndrome children and autistic children. Of course, they had a surveillance system installed because of the children.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Sheriff, can you describe the level of cooperation you have gotten from Mr. Gonzalez? You have heard throughout the afternoon that -- you know, the discussions kept going on and on, so can you describe the level of cooperation? MORGAN: As with all cases, you cannot establish the ebb and flow, and so throughout the day we interviewed numerous people of which Mr. Gonzalez was just one. And, again, it resulted in the charges being preferred against Mr. Gonzalez today. Releasing anymore information on his level of cooperation, I'm not comfortable releasing at this time.

LEMON: The sheriff, Sheriff David Morgan of Escambia County. Also the A.G. there, Bill Eddens, holding a press conference.

Here is a person -- this is a picture we're looking for. Can you get this over my shoulder?

This was e-mailed to me from Michael Humphreys on the ground there. He is our satellite truck operator. His name is Leonard Patrick Gonzalez. Race, white, male, 5'4", 153 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, born in 1953. That is his picture. Michael Humphrey is sending me that information, e-mailing me. He is outside of the place where they are holding this -- Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

Here's what they are saying in all of this. That he has been charged not necessarily with the murder. They're saying it could go beyond that. But right now he is charged with tampering of evidence, tampering of evidence. Specifically, what sheriff's deputies said he was doing was trying to paint the van or fix that red van that had been in the news. There is that picture. A much better picture. I will take this one down. He had been doing that. Maximum five years in prison. This is a felony. They say he had no connection with this Billings family and they are confident that this investigation will lead them to an arrest.

What was interesting, at the very end, the sheriff said this will expand much larger than anyone had anticipated. They are believing this will go beyond the borders of Escambia County and Florida and in Pensacola area.

Very interesting, again, press conference there. They have made one arrest not necessarily charging him with murder but tampering of evidence, a second or third degree felony, maximum five years. They think they will get more results. There will be more arrests.

The last thing I want to say -- this is the last thing. This is what I found interesting -- no motive. He said they are very interested and anxious to share this story with the citizens of Escambia County. But he says, once this is over, it is "going to be a humdinger." That is a quote from the sheriff.

We have breaking news coming out of Florida in regards to the space shuttle. Our John Zarrella is there.

John, say it isn't so?

OK. John will tell us after a break.

We're back in a moment.

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