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CNN Live At Daybreak

Suspect's Father Apologizes to Victims' Families Alabama Killings

Aired February 21, 2002 - 06:34   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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Now to an incredible story of death- defying determination. An Alabama man who was buried alive beside his dead son refused to give up until his son's killers were captured. Butch Bowyer clawed his way out of a shallow grave despite a throat wound and was able to identify his attackers for police.

Now the father of one of the alleged killers is apologizing for the sins of his son. Reporter Adrian Helmick (ph) of our Columbus, Georgia affiliate WTVN (ph) has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIMMY BROOKS, SR.: I just don't know what to say or how to react or how to tell how sorry I am, it's just a horrible tragedy.

ADRIAN HELMICK, REPORTER FOR WTVN (ph): Jimmy Brooks Sr. can't fight back the tears, thinking about his son's alleged role in two separate murder cases. His son, Jimmy Brooks, Jr., along with Michael Carruth, have been charged with murdering 12-year old Brett Bowyer and attempting to end his father's life. The Lee County Sheriff's Department says they have also been linked to a double murder near Beauregard (ph). Thurman and Katherine Ratliff were shot inside their home last month. Brooks Sr. wrote a note expressing deep sorrow for both families. He was no stranger to the families affected.

BROOKS: I just can't imagine what Butch -- the terror and the fear and the grief that he's feeling over his son. I know his son was his whole life. I know the Ratliffs (AUDIO GAP) traumatic for them, and I just - I haven't seem them in a couple of years, but they were always good to me.

HELMICK: Brooks Sr. says he will always love his son, but he can't comprehend his being involved in such an evil crime.

BROOKS: If he's guilty, he needs to be punished like everybody else.

HELMICK: Adrian Helmick (ph) for CNN in Russell County Alabama.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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