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CNN Live Saturday

DNA Evidence Links Avila to Runnion, Sources Say

Aired July 20, 2002 - 18:02   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.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Well, sources tell CNN that DNA evidence found on Samantha Runnion's body allegedly matched that of Alejandro Avila. The 27-year-old man was arrested Friday but has not been formally charged in the kidnapping and murder case.

Let's go to CNN's David Mattingly who is joining us now in Stanton California -- David.

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Catherine, DNA evidence -- in fact, the confirmation coming to us today that the DNA was used to connect 27-year-old Alejandro Avila to the murder of Samantha Runnion. Avila is now awaiting arraignment here in Orange County. We're told that will take place on Tuesday.

The use of DNA is really no surprise to us here, after all -- how else would you explain all the confidence we saw amongst law enforcement officials as they announced the arrest. In fact, that incredible statement from Sheriff Mike Corona who stood right here yesterday and said that he is 100 percent sure that they've go their man. Now we know why.

Meanwhile, here in this town, so many people coming together in the Stanton community. This, the first day off for many people since that tragedy occurred. People getting involved. The employees, for example, of the nearby Sam's Wholesale Club that's close to Samantha's old neighborhood raising money for the family with a charity cookout. Other groups are present promoting child monitoring programs and education. All of this in memory of 5-year-old Samantha. That beautiful little girl and that terrible crime that has touched so many people here, so deeply -- Catherine.

CALLAWAY: All right, thank you, that's David Mattingly in Stanton. David, I know we heard the Sheriff say yesterday that even with the DNA evidence it -- once it came, if it came -- as he said yesterday, the investigation would not end. So, what's next in this case? I know it goes to the DA now.

MATTINGLY: I asked him about that; he said the reason why they're continuing to bring more tips in and to examine the evidence that they had is that they want to make 100 percent sure of what they already suspect, that this suspect is the man and that he acted alone. So, they're very confident of their findings so far, they just want to dot every "i" and cross every "t." That's why they say the investigation is still continuing. CALLAWAY: All right, thank you. David Mattingly. Thanks David.

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