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CNN Live Today
U.S. Tourists Killed; Tips For Traveling Abroad; Milwaukee Mystery; Grad Student Slaying; The Hurricane Threat
Aired March 23, 2006 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: John Zarrella joins us with details.
John, so this was a trip that this group arranged by themselves?
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Daryn.
You know, as we know, that many of these cruise ships, when you go on these cruises, they offer what are called shore excursions, which are put together by the cruise line. You pay for those on board the ship before the ship gets to its port of call, before you go on those short tours. This one, the company spokesman, the company president, Dan Hanrahan, said in this last hour's press conference, he said that this is not a company, Andy's Tours (ph), that they know of or have dealt with in the past.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN HANRAHAN, PRESIDENT, CELEBRITY CRUISES: Because we have thoroughly checked out the providers and we have a lot of confidence in the providers. What we cannot do is tell guests how to -- what to do on their own time. So our guests do often times go off on their own excursions, but we encourage them to take ours because they have been so thoroughly checked out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZARRELLA: Now, the company is providing transportation, a chartered plane, down to Chile for the family members to go down there to be with the deceased relatives. Again, there were 12 people, Americans, who were killed. Two others that were injured. They were, according to the company president, all part of a B'nai B'rith organization, a Jewish organization. So the company has contacted and a rabbi is going with them down to Chile to help them handle the deceased.
And they are saying that the ship, the Millennium, has now set sail. That was its first port of call. It had left Santiago, Chile, on March 19th, was scheduled to arrive here in Ft. Lauderdale, just up the road from us, on the 2nd of April. The ship has departed now from that first port of call where the accident took place and is en route to its next port of call, which is Lima, Peru.
Again, they are saying that what happened was that this tour bus that they were on apparently swerved, according to the driver who did survive, swerved to avoid an accident -- avoid an oncoming truck on a very narrow mountain road, careened down the embankment more than 250 feet. And, of course, the bus then broke apart killing those 12 Americans.
Daryn.
KAGAN: It sounds like they were traveling as a group. Do we know where they came from?
ZARRELLA: Yes, Daryn, that's right, they were traveling, according to the company, as a group. They are not releasing their names yet. They are not saying where the people are from. All they are saying is that they were not, the company said, from Florida.
Daryn.
KAGAN: And you said it sounds like the families are going down to deal with their loved ones.
ZARRELLA: They're offering that option to those who wish to go down. No numbers given by the company on who's taking the company up on that offer. But certainly many family members will likely go down there, yes.
KAGAN: John Zarrella live from Florida. Thank you for that.
We're also getting word of another situation with another cruise ship. This one's a Princess cruise that was headed into Montego Bay, Jamaica. About 3:00 a.m. this morning, a fire broke out, affecting the decks nine through 12. About 100 cabins were affected there. The fire started in one of the passengers accommodations. No report of any injuries there.
The deadly crash that we're looking at likely raises concerns among those who seek to go off the beaten path. After all, adventure is an essential part of travel, right? But there are some things to keep in mind when you step away from your structured arrangements. With some advice on that, here's our Personal Finance Editor Gerri Willis.
Gerri.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn, good to see you.
Let me be candid about this. I haven't found any way to check the safety record of third party service providers in foreign countries, like the bus operator that was involved in this accident that we just talked about. However, there are ways to check up on U.S.-based tour operators and cruise lines, and these are the folks who would find those third-party operators.
Tour operators are not regulated, but you can see if they are properly licensed by going to the National Association of Secretaries of State at nass.org. Then you can check out complaints of other passengers at the U.S. Tour Association at ustoa.com.
Now, if you're traveling by cruise ship, check the safety record of the cruise line before signing up by calling 1-800-368-5647. That's the phone number for the U.S. Coast Guard, which is responsible for conducting these inspections.
And another thing to think about is this, your health insurance will probably pay for any emergency care if you're traveling out of the country and you get injured on vacation. But if you're on Medicare and you're taking a trip overseas, you want to think about getting extra coverage because Medicare does not cover medical expenses internationally.
So, now, if you still want to travel, even after all of this bad news and you're thinking about going to a developing country or maybe even booking an adventure vacation where the chances frankly of injury are greater, it's a good idea to think about medical travel insurance policies. Now, these policies provide hospital care and transportation coverage in case you need to be taken to the nearest qualified health care facility. But be aware that most of these plans do not let you choose which hospital you're taken to.
Daryn.
KAGAN: Gerri Willis, thank you for those very important tips as we travel abroad. Thank you.
There are new details today about the hostage rescue in Iraq. The kidnappers weren't home. Special forces raided a house in western Baghdad and found three westerners tied up, but they were alone. The U.S. military says a man captured last night led them to the hostages' location. The peace activists from Britain and Canada were grabbed back in November. Friends of British hostage Norman Kember say the men are in pretty good shape.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REV BOB GARDNER, HARROW BAPTIST CHURCH: We're thrilled, at least initially we're thrilled. We hope that this hasn't been at the expense of any casualties on the Iraqi side because I'm sure Norman wouldn't have wanted that. But we are just so thrilled to have the news that he's coming back safe.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: This news follows the earlier news that American Tom Fox, who was killed with the group last fall, was killed. He had been shot in the head. Fox's body showed signs he also had been tortured.
Four car bombs ripped Baghdad today as well. Most seemed to target police and security officer. About 33 people were killed. At least 13 were police. Earlier this week, insurgents staged bold raids on two police stations. Nearly two dozen officers were killed.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will probably have more to say about today's Iraq developments. He plans to talk with reporters at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. "Live From" will have that for you at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, Kyra Phillips.
An anxious wait, a massive search, and now a reward fund (ph) in the case of two missing boys in Milwaukee. A local company is offering is $5,000 reward for their safe return. And we expect an update from police next hour. Our Jonathan Freed is following the case in Milwaukee.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JONATHAN FREED, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): Suburban Milwaukee is being turned upside down. Police are looking for any sign of two children, close friends, 11-year-old Purvis Virginia Parker and 12-year-old Quadrevion Henning. They call him Dre. Both missing since Sunday afternoon. They disappeared without a trace.
GARRY HENNING, QUADREVION'S GRANDFATHER: I slept in his bed. I slept in his bed. That's my boy. We just want him home. It's tearing his grandmother's heart is out.
FREED: When children are reported missing, you often hear family and friends saying they're good kids who never get into problem. In this case, Dre Henning's grandfather says he's got the documentation to prove it.
GARRY HENNING: This is a kid that had high academics. This is a kid homeward (ph).
QUENTIN HENNING, QUADREVION'S FATHER: He's a yes, sir, no, sir. He's got that southern hospitality. He's a real, real good kid.
FREED: Dre and Purvis were last seen around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday heading to a playground at a nearby school. The families called police when they weren't home after dark.
ANGELA VIRGINIA, PURVIS' MOTHER: I hold on to this because when I hold on to it I know he's coming home.
FREED: Purvis Parker's mother says her son is a quiet boy who's dreaming of becoming an artist. She hopes Purvis can hear her now.
VIRGINIA: And I want you to come home to me. I need you here. My family is not complete without him. He's my only son.
FREED: Police say they have mounted a massive search for the boys.
CHIEF NANNETTE HEGERTY, MILWAUKEE POLICE: Right now we have no substantial leads, nor have we had any evidence that there has been a crime committed.
FREED: Are you satisfied with the effort that's being made on the part of police?
GARRY HENNING: Speaking for my family, we are more than satisfied.
FREED: Although police are not yet conducting a criminal investigation, Dre's grandfather still has a message for anyone who may have abducted the children.
GARRY HENNING: Don't make them suffer. That's all. Just please don't make them suffer.
FREED: The families say the more time passes without word, the harder it is for them to keep up hope.
Jonathan Freed, CNN, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: CNN plans live coverage of that police news conference on the missing Milwaukee boys. It's expected in the next hour at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, 8:00 a.m. Pacific.
A Pittsburgh area woman who had been missing for 10 years has now been reunited with her father. Tanya Kach disappeared when she was only 14. Police say she was abducted by a security guard at her middle school and kept at his home just two miles from where her father lives. Kach says she prayed a lot during her years as captive.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TANYA KACH: A lot of praying. Oh, did I find God in those years. I prayed. I read the Bible. I prayed the rosary. I talked to him every day. I had morning prayers, night prayers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. Slow down.
KACH: And I don't know, you know, does it help me?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's already, baby.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It worked.
KACH: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The main thing is she's back where she belongs.
KACH: With my dad. Everybody, this is my dad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Forty-eight-year-old Thomas Hose (ph) is charged with statutory rape and other sex crimes. Police say he used mind games to control where Kach went and what she wore. For the first four years she was never even allowed out of the house.
Nearly four weeks after the body of a grad student was found bound, gagged, and raped, the prime suspect heads to court in New York City. We'll have details on that case.
And, have you ever had a dream like this? You're being chased by a wild animal in the middle of the night? Maybe your kids woke up screaming after a super hero attacked them in their dreams. There's a common thread and a specific stand to these types of dreams. We're going to look at your dreams just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: It is a case that captured national attention and it terrified a community. A young graduate student brutally raped, tortured and strangled, her body dumped in an abandoned lot in Brooklyn, New York. This morning, the prime suspect, a New York bar bouncer, is charged with murder. Darryl Littlejohn will appear in court later today where he's expected to plead not guilty. Allan Chernoff has been following the case from the start. He joins us live from New York with details on this.
Allan, when you're about to get charged with murder, not a good time to go talking to a local TV station.
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, nonetheless, Darryl Littlejohn did just that yesterday, speaking with WCBS TV Channel 2 and we'll show you an excerpt from that interview in just a moment.
But first, let's point out that the grand jury late yesterday did indict Mr. Littlejohn on murder one and murder two. That is murder in the first and second-degrees for the killing of Imette St. Guillen.
What's very interesting here is that there was no rape charge brought. Apparently the grand jury finding insufficient evidence for rape. And that's very interesting in this case.
Let's quickly review some of the evidence that the police have told us about. The police did say that witnesses saw Mr. Littlejohn leaving the bar where Imette St. Guillen was last seen at 4:00, closing time, on February 25th. They found blood of Mr. Littlejohn on plastic ties that were wrapped around Imette St. Guillen's wrists. There were also plastic ties around her legs as well. And cell phone towers tracked Mr. Littlejohn's mobile phone to the location of the body. All evidence that could point to the disposing of the body but not necessarily to the rape of Imette St. Guillen.
Now, in that interview with local Channel 2 here, Mr. Littlejohn yesterday showed no emotion as he proclaimed his innocence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DARRYL LITTLEJOHN: I'm a likely suspect because I have a criminal background and I wasn't supposed to be there working.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHERNOFF: It was a violation of his parole curfew to actually be working as a bouncer at that bar where Imette St. Guillen was last scene. Mr. Littlejohn has an extensive criminal record. He's been convicted three times of armed robbery, among other charges, and he has spent nearly 19 of his 41 years in prison. And, of course, now he'll be facing charge that could put him in prison for the rest of his life.
Daryn.
KAGAN: What are they saying about the lack of a rape charge? Just not enough evidence?
CHERNOFF: Yes, exactly. Yes, it seems that the evidence that we've pointed out thus far really would point to perhaps disposing of the body and the jury perhaps could find him guilty of murder. But again, there is not, at the moment, evidence that would necessarily tie him to the rape. Although we understand the investigation is continuing. There has been ongoing analysis of DNA at the New York City Medical Examiner's Office.
KAGAN: Allan Chernoff live in Brooklyn. Allan, thank you.
Now let's check on a cold case. It dates back 16 years. The victim, a four-year-old girl. Police had no leads, no suspects, and no answers until now. Jennifer Shaskis (ph) parents were charged -- they are now charged in connection with her death. It's a case with a lot of twists and turns. Here is how it unfolded.
Authorities say a hiker found a little girl's remains back in 1996. It was determined she had been killed in 1990. Her identity remained a mystery until just last year. Police suspect that little Jennifer was beaten to death. Authorities tracked down her parents in California and now they are facing charges in the state of New York.
The 2005 hurricane season is in the record books as one of the worst in history. But as bad as it was, experts say 2006 will be worse. Meteorologist Rob Marciano will have details when LIVE FROM returns.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: The markets have been open a total of 51 minutes. Dow not looking so pretty today. It is down 17 points. Nasdaq headed south as well. It is down eight points.
This just in to CNN. An Amber Alert issued for Johnson County, Texas. That's just southwest of Dallas, Texas. They're looking for a little three-year-old boy there, Anthony Turner, last seen yesterday around 4:30 p.m. local time. He was riding his bike near a county road. He is said to be, this little boy, three foot tall, about 45 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, Caucasian. Was said to be wearing a red and white jersey with the number 90 on the back. He also had on jeans and tennis shoes.
In conjunction with this, a short time before this little boy was reported missing, people in this area had complained about an 85 or 84 dirty gold or tan Ford Taurus cruising the area that was trying to pick up children. Police picked up their search around 6:00 p.m. So this little boy in Johnson County, Texas, has not been seen since 4:30 yesterday. An Amber Alert out for Anthony Turner. We'll keep an eye on that as well.
Right now let's go ahead and talk weather. Seventy days, that is all that is left between now and the next hurricane season. Not welcome news for those along the Gulf Coast who are still coping with the aftermath of hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. So now everybody wants to know how bad will this hurricane season be? Our Meteorologist Rob Marciano takes a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): With spring now officially here, hurricane season is coming fast. The images of Dennis slamming into Florida, Katrina devastating the Gulf Coast, followed by hurricanes Rita and Wilma, are all too vivid. And there are good reasons, experts say, that this year could be worse. Dr. William Gray has been studying hurricanes for 50 years. Every year he predicts how many hurricanes will form in the Atlantic.
WILLIAM GRAY, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY: We have a very active forecast out as of now. It's 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and five major ones. This is the most we've ever -- highest numbers we've ever made this early in the season.
MARCIANO: That's not good news for the millions who live along the east and Gulf Coasts. Dr. Gray says since 1995 the average number of major hurricanes has more than tripled, rising from 1.5 a year to 4 per year. Dr. Judy Curry, an earth and atmospheric science professor at Georgia Tech, sees no relief in the future.
What would be your outlook for the next 10 to 20 years?
DR. JUDY CURRY, GEORGIA TECH: We're going to be under this double whammy for the next 20 years.
MARCIANO: So what is going on? Why are we seeing more, stronger hurricanes? Dr. Curry thinks global warming is to blame. She says the oceans are getting warmer, about a degree Fahrenheit increase since 1975. Most experts agree global warming is real. Glaciers in Greenland are melting. And in the United States, this January was the warmest on record.
Would you go on record to say that the storms are getting worse because of what people are doing to the atmosphere?
CURRY: Yes. Our best understanding of this problem is that that increase in sea surface temperature is being caused by human induced activities.
MARCIANO: Dr. Curry says it's our fault the earth is getting warmer. But Dr. Gray, the hurricane expert, disagrees.
GRAY: As far as causing the globe to warm, we have not done that.
MARCIANO: Instead, Dr. Gray says the warming is natural, a regular feature of global cycles, and not from greenhouse gases.
On the issue of global warming itself, these two scientists couldn't be more divided, but they do agree that warm water helps feed hurricanes, allowing them to get stronger and grow larger. But there's more to it than just turning up the heat. The air above the water has to be just right. Hurricanes thrive in a calm atmosphere. And this year La Nina is helping to create the perfect hurricane breeding ground.
GRAY: This looked as bad a storm as I have ever seen . . .
MARCIANO: And believe it or not, Dr. Gray says so far we've been lucky. The intense hurricane cycle we're in has been going on for 11 years.
GRAY: We were very lucky the first nine years of this active period, very unlucky the last two years, and this is just how nature works.
MARCIANO: Rob Marciano, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: The 2006 hurricane season we're going to break in our rookie, Reynolds Wolf.
CNN hurricane season. I hope you didn't book any vacations.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAGAN: Now, Reynolds, you know, you're new around here.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Absolutely.
KAGAN: And we're just getting to know you. We want to know more about you. So I want to get an idea of your taste in jewelry.
WOLF: My taste in jewelry.
KAGAN: Well, just, let me show you something.
WOLF: OK.
KAGAN: All right. This is a new thing out of Salt Lake.
WOLF: Bring it on.
KAGAN: This is not a roach. I mean it's a roach, not a brooch.
WOLF: Right.
KAGAN: Some new spring fashions. They are bejewelled. They are live Madagascar hissing cockroaches with crystals and a small gold leash. And they make pins. So you kind of -- you attach it to your blouse and the bejewelled cockroach walks all over -- well, I would imagine it's a woman that wears it.
WOLF: You know what's cookie and crazy about that whole thing? Especially . . .
KAGAN: Well, there's a lot.
WOLF: Well, yes. Yes. But it's still a bug. I mean, I know someone super glued some jewels on to it, but it's still a bug. It's like putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig with the lipstick. That's still a bug crawling on that lady.
KAGAN: And it's gross.
WOLF: And it's grossing me out, man.
KAGAN: Like someone would come up to you and go -- and try to get the cockroach.
WOLF: Absolutely.
KAGAN: Absolutely.
WOLF: You've got a big one right there.
KAGAN: So here's my advice to you. I know your wife is expecting your first baby.
WOLF: Yes. Yes.
KAGAN: Next month.
WOLF: And what better way to share a wonderful moment, a loving moment . . .
KAGAN: With a cockroach.
WOLF: With the delivery of our child with, hear, dear, have a jewel encrusted roach. Here you go. Beautiful. It's for you. Enjoy.
KAGAN: Because I'm here for you . . .
WOLF: Yes. Here you go. Making the connection.
KAGAN: I'm suggesting that should not be the gift.
WOLF: I would think so. It would be best not.
KAGAN: We'll keep shopping.
WOLF: You betcha.
KAGAN: All right. Thank you, Reynolds.
Hey, by the way, do you watch "American Idol"?
WOLF: Indeed.
KAGAN: All right. Well, then you're going to want to stay tuned. We're talking "American Idol." Another "American Idol" contestant goes home. We'll talk about why it's the hottest show on TV in just a moment.
Also, you don't want to miss "Open House" with Gerri Willis this weekend. It may be spring, just spring, but it's already time to start planning your summer vacation. And Gerri has the answers you need from knowing how to rent a vacation home, to actually buying a home overseas.
Plus, this weekends snapshot, Los Angles, my home town. You can catch it all this Saturday morning at 9:30 Eastern. That's 6:30 for those of you in L.A.
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