Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Saturday

Hundreds of Volunteers Continue Search for Elizabeth Smart

Aired June 08, 2002 - 12:31   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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Turning now to that missing Utah teen, Elizabeth Smart. Authorities say the 14-year-old was snatched at gunpoint from her family's home in the middle of the night. Hundreds of volunteers are searching for the girl. Our James Hattori is live in Salt Lake City with the latest.

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fredricka. It's been about three and a half days since the kidnapping, and the latest word from the investigators is that they're no closer to solving this crime than they were Wednesday morning when it occurred.

Now, this was to be a weekend of celebration for the Smart family. Elizabeth was to graduate from her middle school. A ceremony was held yesterday. Instead of being a happy time, it was filled with tears. And in her absence, her brother picked up her diploma. An empty chair was set aside for her at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, investigators admit they are frustrated over the lack of a solid suspect and conclusive evidence.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHIEF RICK DINSE, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE: The issue of evidence, had we recovered any evidence indicating that there was somebody in that house? We have evidence that indicates there was somebody in that house. Now, we're not going to discuss what that evidence is. And so you can put that issue to rest.

The issue of who is a suspect and who isn't a suspect -- we have not eliminated anybody. As I have said before, the family in this case has been extremely cooperative. They have done everything that we have asked them to do. We are not focusing on the family at this time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HATTORI: Now, the parents, Ed and Lois Smart are stepping back out of the spotlight a little bit. Obviously suffering from a lot of stress and anxiety. In fact, Ed Smart was hospitalized for a time yesterday because of exhaustion. They're now back at home, both of them.

This is the fourth day of searching now. Volunteers, you can see behind me are lining up, they're going to go out, beat the bushes literally for any sign of where 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart is.

Fredricka, no shortage of enthusiasm here.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks a lot, James Hattori. I appreciate it.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com