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Today, Justice Breyer to Announce Retirement at White House Event with Biden; Prince Andrew Denies Sexual Abuse Allegations, Demands Jury Trial; Jeopardy! Champ's Impressive 40-Game Winning Streak Ends. Aired 10:30-11a ET

Aired January 27, 2022 - 10:30   ET

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

[10:30:04]

SHIMON PROKUPECZ, CNN CRIME AND JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: We'll hear the pipes and drums. But, no doubt, his family will be here, his mother, his wife and his close partners and fellow officers from the 32dn precinct, who have already gathered here this morning. And last night, there was that vigil for these officers held at the precinct, an emotional night, as you played some of that sound.

Here's more of what some of the officers there at the 32nd precinct had to say last night.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OFFICER CHARLES REYES, NYPD: I'm told this is all dream. And wake up to him, it's a nightmare, actually. And I'm going to speak to you one last time and I'll say I'm sorry, sorry for not being there.

OFFICER STERLING MEDINA, NYPD: His smile lit up a room. His smile, your life changed everyone's mood. And to know that --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let it out.

MEDINA: We're not going to get that again. It hurts.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PROKUPECZ: So, the public viewing begins at 1:00. The city is urging, they want people to come out, to come here and pay their respects. The mayor will be here at around 4:00. But, no doubt, come tomorrow the funeral could be one of the largest funerals for an NYPD officer as tens of thousands are expected to line Fifth Avenue, officers from all across the country flying in for this funeral and then next week, of course, is the funeral here for his partner, Wilbert Mora, next week here at the cathedral.

SCIUTTO: Yes, I'll tell you, NYPD officers, they show up for their own, they do, and we're going to see a lot from around the country, as you say. Shimon Prokupecz, thanks so much.

In Los Angeles, local officials desperate for information on a black teenager who was killed, her body dumped, dumped on a busy freeway. Police say the body of 16-year-old Tioni Theus was discovered three weeks ago and hope a reward of $110,000 will help yield information that leads to an arrest.

BIANNA GOLODRYGA, CNN NEWSROOM: CNN's Stephanie Elam joins us live from Los Angeles. And it's just heartbreaking when you see these images of her as well. Steph, what can you tell us about who this young lady was and why it took so long for this case to get the public's attention?

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You're talking about January 8th, Bianna and Jim, since we actually know that this is when she was discovered on the side of the 110 freeway on an off-ramp, a very busy highway here in Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner, she died from a gunshot wound to the neck.

We know she was discovered in the early morning hours. Not clear how she got there but this is why they're turning to the public to find out if she can -- if anyone knows what happened to her. So, there's $110,000 reward that's put out there. It's from the state, the county, and the city all coming together to try to figure out if someone has any leads that leads to a conviction and arrest in this case.

Obviously, people are upset that it's been since January 8th that this young girl, Tioni Theus, that no one has said what has happened, that's it's just now becoming something people are talking about in the public. In fact, take a listen to Holly Mitchell, who's a Los Angeles County Supervisor, and Mike Gipson, the California State Assembly member, talk about the case here with Tioni.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HOLLY MITCHELL, LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR: It is imperative that we not allow implicit bias or the adultification of black girls to continue to influence the lack of media coverage or public outrage over their murders.

MIKE GIPSON, CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER: A 16-year-old child, 16-year-old child, she's someone's daughter that was taken away from us senselessly. And for the cowards who did this, we're going to muster the resources that's necessary to bring you to justice.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ELAM: And it's worth noting that the L.A. County district attorney, George Gascon, has already gotten involved in this case, which is unusual considering that the fact there's no subject and there are no charges yet. But they are saying, from his office, that they do believe that there are signs that she may have been human trafficked and that she might have been a victim of sexual exploitation based on some court documents. So, they're looking to find whoever is responsible for this child's murder.

GOLODRYGA: Clearly, this investigation is just beginning now. The wait has been too long but, hopefully, some answers will start coming in. Thank you, Stephanie Elam.

SCIUTTO: Yes, just a child.

Well, a signature moment in Joe Biden's presidency, a chance to nominate a new Supreme Court justice. Could internal Democratic Party politics sway his eventual choice?

But, first, here's a look at some other events we're watching today.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:35:00]

GOLODRYGA: Later today, Justice Stephen Breyer expected to officially announce his retirement from the Supreme Court.

[10:40:04]

SCIUTTO: Justice Breyer, along with President Biden, will speak at the White House soon. Of course, we'll bring that to you.

For now, let's discuss the political implications of all this with CNN Politics Reporter and Editor at Large Chris Cillizza. Good morning, Chris, good to have you on.

So, is this a chance for Biden to change the narrative somewhat here and to potentially energize his base given the importance, decisions coming before this court in the coming months and years?

CHRIS CILLIZZA, CNN POLITICS REPORTER AND EDITOR AT LARGE: Yes. Look, the very fact that we're talking about it means we're not talking necessarily always about COVID-19 and the omicron variant, we're not talking about inflation, we're not talking about what Russia is going to do on the border of Ukraine. All of those things I just listed, the public has soured on Joe Biden's handling of. This is something that he can do that's unique to a president to be able pick a Supreme Court justice, obviously has to be confirmed by the Senate, but it's a good story for him, particularly with the base that's been divided, Manchin and Sinema on one side, liberals on one side. This should rally them all together.

GOLODRYGA: And, Chris, is there any reason now to think that now that what we all assume what will happen is a historic moment where the president of the United States will nominate a black woman to the Supreme Court long overdue? Is there any reason to believe that the choice among the qualified women, many of whom we've already listed, will lead to even more divisions at this point as the jockeying begins?

CILLIZZA: I mean, Bianna, I think at some point, there is, of course -- there's personalities involved and some people, when you don't get picked to be a Supreme Court justice, when you are mentioned, of course, there's going to be a level of disappointment here, but, no.

I think, look, Joe Biden said on the campaign trail in 2020 that he was going to name a woman as V.P. if he was the nominee. He did that with Kamala Harris. There's no reason to think he said the same thing about wanting to make history, to pick the first African-American woman justice, no reason to think he's not going to do that.

And, again, remember who made Joe Biden president in no small part, African-American voters. Without Jim Clyburn and his victory in that South Carolina primary, without black voters turning out in large numbers in the general election, Joe Biden isn't the nominee, much less the president. So, he needs their support. His support among that group, as it has among the whole Democratic base, has flagged (ph) someone of late, and I think this gives an opportunity to pick that back up.

SCIUTTO: Okay. so any ruminations you hear from Republicans and say, let's not rush this, we should probably tune out given the rush of the previous appointment under a Republican president, but there are politics here, you have got a very slim majority in the Senate for Democrats. Can Biden and Democrats pull this off on the timeline they're talking about?

CILLIZZA: My gosh, if they can't, they're in deep trouble, Jim. This is plenty of time before an election, 200-plus days. Obviously, it's long before the 2024 election. But they need to get this done before the 2022 midterms because it's at least the 50/50 chance that they lose the Senate majority and, therefore, they can't get this person confirmed.

Obviously, we want to keep an eye on people like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. We know that they have dissented against some Democratic policies and want -- desires to change the filibuster in the past. But they have generally supported Biden's appointments, the federal courts. I have no reason to think that they would not support it here. But when you have 50 seats, you need every single person on board. So, obviously keep an eye on them.

GOLODRYGA: We will see Justice Breyer and the president later today. Chris Cillizza, thank you so much.

CILLIZZA: Thank you.

GOLODRYGA: The archbishop of Munich speaking out this morning after a shocking admission from Pope Benedict the 16th over reported sexual abuse. We'll tell you what was said.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:45:00]

SCIUTTO: Prince Andrew is formally denying the sexual abuse allegations against him and now demanding a jury trial. It is a response to Virginia Giuffre's civil suit against him. She said she was forced to have sex with Andrew and others when convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein trafficked her to friends.

GOLODRYGA: Giuffre alleges that the prince also knew that she was 17 at the time.

CNN Anchor and Correspondent Max Foster joins us. So, what more do we know about this, Max?

MAX FOSTER, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think it's really a statement of intent from Prince Andrew's side. They're calling for a jury trial showing they're willing to go into this and really battle it out. The latest document received from Prince Andrew's side goes through point after point, dozens of them, really trying to dismiss every allegation that Giuffre has made. And on those others, they're basically using this term, lack sufficient information to admit or deny allegations. That, in particular, reference to this photograph, it's a very famous photograph, of course, Prince Andrew's arm around Giuffre with Ghislaine Maxwell in the background.

Now, this is the place, Maxwell's home, where one of the rapes is alleged to have taken place. Prince Andrew basically casting doubt over the authenticity of this photograph, so either trying to get evidence dismissed all together or cast some doubt on to it. He denies all the allegations here.

Giuffre's side though responding, saying Prince Andrew's answer continues his approach of denying any knowledge or information concerning claims against him and purporting to blame the victim of the abuse for somehow bringing it on herself.

[10:50:04]

He's clearly going to find this. The royal family, I'm sure, won't be happy about that. (INAUDIBLE) this all went away and there's now a court settlement. But that doesn't seem to be any sign that that's going to be the case, Jim and Bianna.

GOLODRYGA: They've already taken away his title. Max Foster, thank you. I know you'll continue to follow this story for us.

Also this morning, Munich's archbishop, Cardinal Marx, responding during a press conference to the devastating report that determined both he and Pope Benedict the 16th mishandled sex abuse cases in the arch diocese.

SCIUTTO: Marx says he's, quote, ashamed and admits he should have been more engaged in the matter.

CNN Vatican Correspondent live from Rome Delia Gallagher. Delia, what else did the archbishop say? And I'm curious, did the former pope have anything to say?

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Jim, let's start with what he didn't say, which is he didn't address in any detail the two accusations against him that he mishandled cases of sexual abuse. Instead, Jim, he spoke very generally about taking responsibility, about asking for forgiveness. Let's listen to a little bit of what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARDINAL MARX, ARCHBISHOP OF MUNICH: After having read the report, I am repeatedly shocked about the harm and suffering of the affected persons and also what the perpetrators have done and how those responsible have behaved. What is clear here in the expert report is that there's a dark side and this will continue to be visible in the future history of our church.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GALLAGHER: And he was asked, also, at the press conference about Pope Benedict the 16th, Jim and Bianna, and he said that the pope will be responding. He has said he will respond. He said that on Monday. But he asked for his understanding that the document is 1,900 pages long and his old age take time for him to respond. But Cardinal Marx said that he deserves the opportunity to respond for himself.

And, finally, Cardinal Marx said he is not intending to resign. You know, last year in the wake of other sexual abuse scandals in Germany, Cardinal Marx offered his resignation to Pope Francis. The pope did not allow him to resign at that time. Cardinal Marx says today that he is going to continue in his role as long as it can be helpful. Jim, Bianna?

SCIUTTO: The question throughout all of this is who's looking out for the kids, right? Who is looking out for them? Delia Gallagher, thanks so much.

Coming up next, it is the final Jeopardy! question that ended one champion's long winning streak.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The only nation in the world whose name in English ends in an H, it's also one of the ten most populous.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCIUTTO: Of course, Bianna and I got that right away. We'll give you the answer and why you haven't seen the last of Amy Schneider.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:55:00]

SCIUTTO: A very impressive, to say the least, 40-game winning streak on Jeopardy! has finally come to an end.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're going to lose $8,000. You're going to finish in second place with $19,600. Rhone Talsma, you are our new Jeopardy! champion with one-day total of $49,600. Congratulations to you. Amy Schneider, congratulations, what a run. Thank you for the two months you spent with us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCIUTTO: Amy Schneider, an engineering manager, was stumped during Final Jeopardy! last night. She could not come up with the correct answer to that question we asked just before break. The answer, Bangladesh. I should share here that Bianna were battling to see who could get this and she gave me the answer. She got it. She didn't know I was listening. So I didn't get my chance and probably would have gotten it anyway.

GOLODRYGA: Yes. I'm sorry, Jim. It was a lucky guess on my part. They said, a populous country. So they had, what, 170 million or so people. So --

SCIUTTO: I so wanted to get it. I so wanted to get it.

GOLODRYGA: Well, next time. Well, listen, she had an incredible run. She's a librarian from Chicago, managed to do the best she could. I really love the winner's glasses though. You could see he was shocked as she was sad that her winning came to an end. She's still walking away with more than $1.3 million. And now Schneider holds the title for second most consecutive wins. Current Jeopardy! Host Ken Jennings has the most at 74. And after the show aired, she posted a series of tweets thanking her mom for sparking her love of learning and girlfriend and friends for their emotional support. Jeopardy! says Schneider will be back in the fall for the tournament of champions. Well deserved run for her.

SCIUTTO: Yes, no question. It raises the question about like there's that debate out there, right? Do you limit the number of wins, potentially, that champions can have, right? I mean, Ken Jennings, of course, had more than 70. She had more than 40. On the other hand, it becomes part of the show just to see how long these folks can go.

GOLODRYGA: Listen, we're a country of go for it, right? I say, go for as long as you can and we're all rooting for. And we are rooting for Ken, we are rooting for her and now we'll root for whoever continues the streak.

SCIUTTO: Exactly.

GOLODRYGA: And before we go, let's take a quick live look at the plane, talking about winning, that's about to take Team USA to winter Olympics. 120 athletes will be boarding shortly to head to Beijing for the opening ceremony.

SCIUTTO: There is, at least one member of Team USA, not on that flight. U.S. Bobsledder Josh Williamson will have to come later after he tested positive for COVID-19.

[11:00:02]

And, of course, a big challenge here, let's hope he gets there and can compete.

Thanks so much to all of you for joining us today. Let us know --