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Killen Convicted of Manslaughter in Civil Rights Murders; New Details Emerge in Aruba Disappearance; John Bolton Confirmation Stymied

Aired June 21, 2005 - 13:00   ET

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

BETTY NGUYEN, HOST: New developments in the Natalee Holloway disappearance. We learn why investigators became suspicious of the fourth suspect. We're LIVE FROM Aruba.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Ed Lavandera, live in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where after 41 years there is finally a verdict in the murders of three civil rights workers.

NGUYEN: From the CNN center in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Kyra Phillips today. CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.

Exactly 41 years after hate crimes that horrified the nation and galvanized the young civil rights movement, a jury speaks in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Edgar Ray Killen, former Ku Klux Klansman, part time preacher, defiant defendant, could have been convicted of murdering three civil rights workers on this date back in 1964. The manslaughter verdict comes barely a day after jurors got the case. And we get the latest now from CNN's Ed Lavandera -- Ed.

LAVANDERA: Hi, Betty.

Well, in this part of Mississippi, Edgar Ray Killen was simply known as Preacher Killen. But 41 years exactly to the date of the murders of three civil rights workers here in one of the most notorious crimes of the civil rights era, Edgar Ray Killen was convicted of manslaughter.

Though we should point out that this manslaughter charge came very late at the end of this trial where prosecutors toward the very end of the trial asked the judge to make this an option for the jury in the case. Originally, that Edgar Ray Killen had been convicted or had been charged with murder.

But prosecutors worried that the jury might not convict Edgar Ray Killen of all-out murder, which would have carried a life sentence. They asked the judge to give the jury the option of manslaughter.

One of the big things that this case centered around was the issue of whether or not Edgar Ray Killen was at the murder site the moment the three civil rights workers were murdered.

Prosecutors say that they content that they probably didn't put on enough evidence to suggest that he was actually there, but they felt they had proved enough to show that Edgar Ray Killen had been behind the murders, had masterminded the entire episode that led to the deaths of Michael Schwerner, Andy Goodman and James Chaney here, 41 years ago.

Killen Ray Killen sat stoically in the courtroom as the verdict was read. He faces now up to 20 years in prison. It will be the judge's discretion just -- as to how much time he serves of that.

And as Edgar Ray Killen left the courthouse -- normally, over the last week and a half, he hadn't said a word and just entered, was rolled into the courthouse every morning on a wheelchair. He was rolled in very quietly, never said a word.

But today, as he was taken into the custody of the Neshoba County Sheriff's Office, where he will await his sentencing, Edgar Ray Killen lashing out at several of the cameras that were pointed in his direction.

There will be a court hearing here in just a short while to determine when the sentencing date will happen. But now Edgar Ray Killen will stand -- stand to face up to 20 years in prison.

We've gotten a little bit of reaction from some of the victims' family, Carolyn Goodman, who's the mother of Andy Goodman, telling CNN that she is -- had been waiting for this a long time. And she is overcome, that she had just wanted to see Edgar Ray Killen off the streets. That's all she wanted.

We also understand that prosecutors and other family members that have been here in Philadelphia, Mississippi, throughout the course of this trial are just a couple of blocks away now from the courthouse, where they will be making statements here shortly. And throughout the afternoon here on CNN, we'll be able to bring you those comments as we get them.

This is still a developing situation, this case just breaking within the last hour. The jury deliberating a little more than five hours over the course of yesterday afternoon and this morning to reach a guilty verdict in the 41-year-old case of Edgar Ray Killen -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Ed, quickly. Thank you, Ed.

And we do have family members involved in this case speaking at this hour. We want to take a live picture of that right now. We have Rita Bender speaking. She is Michael Schwerner's widow. Let's take a listen.

RITA BENDER, MICHAEL SCHWERNER'S WIDOW: What has happened in this state, I see it as a very important first step. And yet, there's something else that needs to be said that needs to be recognized.

The window, the light, has not come in completely. The fact that some members of this jury could have sat through that testimony, indeed, could have lived here all these years, and could not bring themselves to acknowledge that these were murders, that they were committed with malice, indicates that there are still people, unfortunately, among you, who choose to look aside, who choose to not see the truth. And that means that's a lot more yet to be done.

I would hope that this case is just the beginning and not an end. As we all know, this were so many terrible crimes committed. There were so many murders. There were so many beatings. There were so many bombings.

And this case has, over the year gotten enormous attention. I'm probably not saying anything that any of you haven't heard me say before. And that's because I believe that the national and international attention to it has been because two of the three men were white.

And the fact that so much media attention is here and hasn't been given to those other crimes and those other -- those other cases and those -- those other people who were so very badly treated, indicates to me that, as a country, we still have a long way to go in recognizing that race is an important factor in this country. It affects justice. It affects education. It affects housing and health care and all those other things that make life worth livable -- worth living.

In prosecuting this case, the state of Mississippi has taken -- to use somebody else's famous words -- one small step for mankind. There are a whole lot of other steps that I think have to be taken, again, to shed light on how this happened.

Preacher Killen didn't act in a vacuum, and the members of the Klan who were members of the police department and the sheriff's office and the highway patrol didn't act in a vacuum.

The state of Mississippi was complicit in these crimes and all the crimes that occurred. And that has to be opened up. So that people like the people who were on this jury who couldn't bring themselves to acknowledge murder, will come to understand that when you put people in office and don't hold them accountable for what they do, that you, too, have accountability for what they do in your name.

But this is a day of great importance to all of us, and particularly, to all of you who continue to live and work here and, again, I thank you.

BEN CHANEY, JAMES CHANEY'S BROTHER: I'd like to begin by saying, on behalf of my family, to thank the prosecution, both Mr. Hood and Mr. Duncan and their staff for such a vigorous and hard job.

In the past, I've been critical of the prosecution in this state and in this county. And that being said, I feel that we probably could have done -- gotten more, had all the nation been available, to be used. But we'll take what we got, and we'll go with that...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can you speak up?

CHANEY: I'd like to also say that we shouldn't lose sight of what's really happening in this community. You know, this community -- there's a serious problem here. And if the media were to walk around the town, they'll see there's no black businesses, where 40 years ago, three men came here in hopes to enhance the private life of poor people in this community. Here we are 40 years later and in the downtown area, there are no black businesses.

I really feel that there's more to be done. And I'd like to challenge the African-American leadership of this community. I'd like to challenge the African-American leadership, because in the courtroom you could count the number of black people from this community that was there. This is an issue that affects them directly. And I'm sort of disappointed that they were not line up around the block to come in.

I'd like to challenge the black legislators in this state. In 1964, there was no black legislatures. When James, Andy and Mickey were murdered, then suddenly there began to develop some political power. I feel that those legislators, in order to stand for justice, not only for this case but for all those cases of young male and females who were abused and murdered in the '60s, they should have been present in numbers.

We must remember that not only did James, Andy and Mickey die in this state in 1964, as my mother stated when she made her -- when she was on the stand, the FBI called her and described the bodies of two other black males that they found. Young men involved in voter registration, in the rivers and the lakes of Mississippi.

I know that there was at least nine bodies found during that period. And I think that the state of Mississippi should be held accountable to make sure they identify who these people were and bring some closure to their families.

I also would like to thank the media. But I wish the media would not just simply think about my feelings or the feelings of the Goodmans or the Schwerners, but think about the feelings of the people in this community and report their stories, their sufferings, because the struggle here continues. And if it's just an economical fight, it's serious. People in this community are still the last ones hired and the first ones fired. And I think you need to report that when you go back.

Again, I'd like to think the judge. I think he was hard, but I think he was fair. I'd like to thank the law enforcement personnel who maintained order. But most importantly, I'd like to thank those white folks from Neshoba County and other parts of Mississippi who walked up to me and said, "Things are changing." Not as fast as we want it to change, but they're changing. I'm talking about various ages and various economical backgrounds.

I really believe there is hope. I have a lot of faith in the new generation -- in the younger generation, that's coming up in this community. And if you look around there are a lot of brown babies.

People here in Mississippi can socialize at night, but when the sun come up, we're separated. I think we need to think about how we can bring -- how we can bring some real race and reconciliation here.

But in order to do so, the truth, the entire truth, about what happened to all those individuals who died in this state in the '60s must be exposed. Right now, as Rita said, this -- the light was shined on this community, on this date, slightly. But we're still living in the dark.

And you think I'm not for real here, we can look at the statement by the defense counsel in his closing argument. Cold words, cultural sluggishism. We're -- they're only out to get the preacher.

I'm glad the jury could see beyond this "us against them" attitude that the defense counsel tried to portray, because it's not us against them. It's those who believe in justice and peace and those who believe in violence and destruction.

I think that those who believe in peace won today, some way, even if it's only on a small level. And I believe that we're going to have to continue to move forward. There's a lot of work to be done. This is not over with, not only in trying to prosecute the other individuals that was involved in this case, but in bringing around some real social and economical justice to the poor people of this state.

I thank you for your time. Yes?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

NGUYEN: You have been listening to family members of the victims in the Edgar Ray Killen case react to the news of his conviction. Three counts of manslaughter. Although these family members say that they are a little disappointed that it was simply manslaughter and not murder.

But of course, here on CNN we will continue to follow this story and bring you other updates throughout the day. Again, a conviction has been -- has been placed in the case of Edgar Ray Killen, three counts of manslaughter. We'll have much more on this.

To other news today. Did a party boat deejay spin the truth in Aruba? One day after Steve Croes went before a judge in a closed door hearing, we have some idea why he was arrested in the first place and why the judge OK'd his continued detention along with three other men in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

CNN's Chris Lawrence has those details, and he joins us now with the latest.

Hi, Chris.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, hi, Betty.

For days, prosecutors would not tell us how that fourth suspect was connected to the other three. We're talking again about Steve Croes, the deejay of a local party boat.

Sources, law enforcement sources close to the investigation now tell us that Croes came under suspension because he told police that he saw those other three men drop off Natalee Holloway right here at this hotel on the night she disappeared more than three weeks ago.

But the more police investigated and looked into it, that story completely fell apart. They thought Croes was lying, and that's when they arrested him last Friday.

Now, by the end of the day we expect Croes to be the only one of the suspects still being held at a local jail. Of the original three, two of the brothers have already been moved to the only prison on the island. And we expect the Dutch teenager to be moved there also by the end of the day.

Natalee's friends last saw her leaving a bar with those three men on the night she disappeared more than three weeks ago.

And as police continue to search, so does the family. Natalee's family has hired a private search team out of Texas to help with that search. They've got a sonar expert. They've got search dogs and at least a few master divers. And they'll all be flying in, either later tonight or early tomorrow -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Chris, I understand Holloway's family has also hired a local attorney. What sparked this?

LAWRENCE: Well, what they did -- there was some reports that they were considering filing a lawsuit against the police to get more information. That's not true. What they did was they sent a letter to the prosecutor, basically asking to join in -- be joined to the investigation as the victimized party. It's kind of common under Dutch law. But what it does it give them more access to information about how the case is progressing.

NGUYEN: All right. CNN's Chris Lawrence in Palm Beach, Aruba. Thank you for that update.

There's more LIVE FROM right after this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN (voice-over): Next on LIVE FROM...

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NGUYEN: Laptop computers putting you at risk.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At any point in time, I can reach out and touch everyone's laptop that's at the hot spot.

NGUYEN: Protecting your privacy in a wireless world.

Later on LIVE FROM, which has more bacteria, this toilet or your desktop? A germ expert finds thousands of reasons for you to clean up your act.

Also ahead, America's new military man in charge in Afghanistan. Lieutenant Colonel Karl Eikenberry talks to CNN about his mission and the search for Osama bin Laden. (END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, this just in to CNN. The NBA owners and players have agreed to a new collective bargaining deal. This happened today, which averts the possibility of a lockout.

This announcement was made today in San Antonio, prior to game six of the NBA finals. It was made by Commissioner David stern and union director Billy Hunter.

Now this deal comes on the fourth consecutive day of talks between the two sides. The league's old seven-year agreement is due to expire on June 30. But today a deal has been made between NBA owners and players, agreeing to a new collective bargaining deal which averts the possibility of a lockout. We'll keep you posted on that.

To D.C. now and the latest cloture clash over John Bolton. Having failed for a second time to force an up or down Senate vote on President Bush's choice for U.N. ambassador, Bolton's backers are mulling their options.

And CNN's David Ensor is watching. He joins us live with the details.

Hi, David.

DAVID ENSOR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Betty.

As you say, the president and other supporters of Mr. Bolton are mulling their options. In fact, the Senate Republicans are at the White House right now, having lunch with the president. The buses you see over my shoulder are the method by which they got here.

At a -- at a photo op this morning with the Vietnamese prime minister, the president was asked whether he's decided what to do about the Bolton nomination, and he did not answer the question. His spokesman, however, is continuing to stand by Mr. Bolton and call for a vote.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: Well, I think the American people expect better. And let's call it what it is. This is simply an effort to block the nomination of John Bolton and play partisan politics. It's nothing but that.

We've got important work to do at the United Nations when it comes to reforming it and making it more effective, and making it work better. And John Bolton is the kind of guy we need there to do that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ENSOR: But with the Senate majority leader, Senator Frist, saying he doesn't for the moment plan to schedule another vote, he doesn't see the point, he knows the numbers aren't there to -- to end cloture, the president has an unpleasant choice to make, pretty soon, it looks at least.

First, he could withdraw the nomination, replace Mr. Bolton with another nominee more likely to be acceptable to Senate Democrats.

Second, he could give the Democrats what they're asking for, which is more information about the intercepts that Mr. Bolton apparently asked about, the names of those he was asking about, when he was undersecretary of state, when he was look into other matter.

Third, they could -- they could give him a recess appointment. The president could appoint Mr. Bolton temporarily, once the Senate goes into recess for the July 4 recess. And that appointment would be good at least through the end of 2006.

So none of these are attractive choices. They're all likely to be described by some commentators, at least, as evidence that the president is weak now, politically. But it may well be the president will have to make one of those choices soon -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's David Ensor, thank you for that.

Ground Zero, it's sacred ground to these family members of 9/11 victims. And they say politics and plans are desecrating it. Their story, later on LIVE FROM.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg. The wireless Internet is everywhere these days, but you may be handing over your personal data when you log on. We'll tell you how to protect yourself a little later.

NGUYEN: Abstract art on the auction block. These paintings outsold Andy Warhol. But just wait until you hear who the artist is. Here's a hint: he's not a human. That story ahead on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Congo the chip is no chump. Three abstract pieces painted by Congo sold for -- get this -- more than $27,000 at a London auction last night.

Yes, Congo was a real chimpanzee. He was trained by a noted zoologist and artist, Desmond Morris, back in the 1950s. Congo's three paintings fetched more than 10 times what the auction house anticipated and outsold works by Renoir and Andy Warhol.

The author says famed artist Pablo Picasso was a fan and owner of one of Congo's painting.

Well, Kathleen Hays joins us now, live from the New York Stock Exchange to take a look at the most expensive cities in the world.

Hi, Kathleen.

(STOCK REPORT) (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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