Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Hostage Jill Carroll Released; The Preacher's Wife Goes to Court; Mine Survivor Speaks

Aired March 30, 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: We'll go ahead and get started.
We're following two American families, two completely different stories. Jill Carroll, the American hostage who's been held in Iraq, much joy to her family today as she has been freed. More on her story in just a moment.

But a family in Tennessee feeling much sorrow today. These are live pictures from Selmer, Tennessee. Mary Winkler, the preacher's wife, she has been charged with first degree murder. This is the preliminary hearing today. And we're going to go ahead and watch what happens in her story.

Funeral services have been held for her husband. She, once again, sitting expressionless in this courtroom in Tennessee. She was arraigned earlier on the first degree murder charge and that happened on Monday.

Let's go ahead and listen in a little bit.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE, MARY WINKLER'S ATTORNEY: Opportunity for a preliminary hearing and would (INAUDIBLE).

JUDGE: All right.

Miss Winkler, would you stand just a moment, please, ma'am. And as I indicated earlier at your arraignment, you are represented by very capable and experienced attorneys. I need to make sure that you do understand that you are knowingly and voluntarily waiving your right to a preliminary hearing today. You've had a chance to speak with Mr. Prest (ph) and Mr. Ballon (ph), I know. Is it your desire at this point to waive your right to a preliminary hearing?

MARY WINKLER: Yes, sir.

JUDGE: All right.

We'll get the appropriate waivers executed at this point then.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: May she sit down, your honor?

JUDGE: Yes. I'm sorry. Please.

Officer Bivens (ph).

KAGAN: We'll continue to watch these live pictures. So Mary Winkler waiving her right to a preliminary hearing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If it please the court, while we're executing these documents, may one of the prosecutors and I approach?

JUDGE: Yes, sir.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

KAGAN: While they approach, let me fill you in. We were able to talk with one of her defense attorneys earlier on AMERICAN MORNING and he shared that rather than ask for bail at this time, they're more concerned with the mental state of Mary Winkler. He shared that his client is in a very difficult state. Very upset this morning. There was even some suggestion that she might not appear in court. Obviously that has happened.

She's accused of killing her husband. Of shooting him in the back with a shotgun last week. Funeral services were held in Selmer, Tennessee.

What happens to Mary Winkler at this point and what the positive motive for this alleged crime would be at this point still very much up in the air. So we'll continue to follow that story out of Selmer, Tennessee.

Meanwhile, let's get to the happier news. And that is the happy news for the family of Jill Carroll. The American hostage, after three months in captivity, has been released. She is out of the hands of her captors and she is now safely nestled at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad at this hour.

This is video of her. It came just after her release. She says she's in good health and was treated well. Carroll was held hostage, as I said, for almost three months.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JILL CARROLL: I was kidnaped January 7th. I don't know why. Really I don't know why. That's a question for the Mujahidin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, how did they -- did . . .

CARROLL: They were very good treatment. And my . . .

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How did they treat you, yes?

CARROLL: Very good treatment. Very good treatment. I was kept in a very good, small, safe place. A safe room. Nice furniture. They gave me clothing, plenty of food. I was allowed to take showers, go to the bathroom when I wanted. Very good. Never hit me. Never even threatened to hit me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You didn't feel that you are in detention (ph)?

CARROLL: Well, I felt I was not free. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not free.

CARROLL: You know, I -- it was -- it was difficult because I didn't know what would happen to me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was TV there or radio?

CARROLL: You know, I can't really talk about it very much. I can't say . . .

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can't talk about TV or radio -- OK.

CARROLL: But I did get some news of what was going on. Not -- sometimes some news but that's all.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Had the -- (INAUDIBLE) the condition that you were released to (INAUDIBLE)?

CARROLL: I don't know. I don't know what happened.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You don't know?

CARROLL: They just came to me and said, OK, we're letting you go now. That's all.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You -- had you, in your knowledge, that there was negotiation to make you free?

CARROLL: I don't know. I don't know what was going on. They didn't tell me what was going on. They would come, bring me my food. I would eat. It was fine. I would go to the bathroom. But I was not allowed to, you know . . .

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You felt that you are far distance from Baghdad or inside?

CARROLL: I really don't know where I was. The room had a window but the glass was, you know, can't see. And it's curtains. And couldn't hear any sound. So I would sit in the room. I had to take a shower. I walk two feet, you know, next -- to next door. Take a shower, go to the bathroom, come back. That's all. So I don't know what -- where I was or what was going on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Had the news -- world news come to you in our place and you watch any -- I told you, any TV, any media?

CARROLL: I once did watch television, but I didn't -- I didn't really know what was going on in the outside world. I got some news. Here and there I would get some news. One time they brought me a newspaper, so I got some news from a newspaper once but that was about it. I didn't really know what was going on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, now, you are a journalist.

CARROLL: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And so could you view to us what will you say this time now?

CARROLL: About what happened?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, no. Yes, about what happened, yes. But what do you want, what would you like to say?

CARROLL: Oh.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE).

CARROLL: The only thing . . .

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is this to early to talk about this, Jill? I mean do you want us to (INAUDIBLE) stuff?

CARROLL: I do. All I can say right now is that I'm just happy to be free. I was treated very well. That's important people know that. That I was not harmed. They never said they would hit me. Never threatened me in any way. And I was -- and I'm just happy to be free and want to be with my family.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Well, Jill Carroll's captors handed her over to a Sunni political group that had worked for her release. The party leader presented her with the Koran and said, in English, "don't forget the people of Iraq." I don't think she'll be forgetting this experience any time soon. Her father said that he first saw his daughter freed right here on CNN. He says he is gratefully relieved. Understandably he has declined an interview at this time. And said the family released comments indirectly. Their statement was read by her boss, the editor of the Christian Science Monitor.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD BERGENHEIM, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR: Our hearts are full. We are elated by Jill's safe release. We would like to thank all of the generous people around the world who worked officially or unofficial, especially those who took personal risk to gain Jill's release. We are also very grateful for the support of the Iraqi people who have shown the world a deep compassion for Jill's situation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: President Bush is joining others around the world welcoming Jill Carroll's release. The president spoke a short time ago from Cancun, Mexico, where he is attending a summit.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

QUESTION: Sir, do you have a reaction to Jill Carroll's release?

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank God. QUESTION: What do you know about why she was released?

BUSH: Really grateful she's released. And I want to thank those who worked hard to release her. And we're glad she's alive. And it's good to see you all. And I'd like to make sure you work more than you play.

QUESTION: Are you optimistic (INAUDIBLE).

BUSH: I'm always optimistic.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Jill Carroll's family and friends had no way of knowing how she was treated during her ordeal. In fact, this may be the most indelible and heart wrenching image of her disappearance. The tape where we saw Jill Carroll sobbing in a tearful plea just a few weeks after her abduction. I guess we don't have that picture.

All right, Jackie Spinner is a friend of Jill Carroll's and a one-time colleague. She's a reporter for "The Washington Post" and she has worked for Carroll's freedom.

Jackie, I say sincerely, good morning.

JACKIE SPINNER, "WASHINGTON POST": It is good morning, isn't it?

KAGAN: How does it feel to see that tape of your good friend Jill?

SPINNER: Well, I mean, I'm elated, as her family is, seeing her safe, you know, and so composed. I think that's the thing that I've taken away from that image, is that, you know, she's very matter of fact. She wants to make it clear that she was treated well. That's Jill to the very end, defending the Iraqi people and wanting it to be known that, you know, this is a place that she cares very deeply about.

KAGAN: She's had a chance to talk with her family. Anybody there at "The Washington Post" who has had a chance to talk with her?

SPINNER: Well, she's been in contact with our correspondents and some of our staff in Baghdad. In fact, we were the very first to hear about her potential release very early this morning and, obviously, kept a lid on it until we were quite certain she was in a safe place. Our people who have seen her say she looks good. She appears to be in good health. And she has emphasized with them as well that she was not treated badly during her captivity.

KAGAN: Part of that might be luck of who took her, but how much of that do you think has to do with the person she is and the way she's able to relate to the Iraqi people?

SPINNER: Well, I don't think there's any luck involved here. I mean, I think that, you know, when we saw this outpouring of support for her from every end of the political spectrum in Baghdad. What that showed is people looked at her body of work and said, this is a woman who really came to Iraq to tell the truth. She wasn't here with any political agenda. She wasn't here to, you know, pursue one side of the story. I think Jill actually freed herself.

KAGAN: Yes, no, I'm just suggesting that, because we have seen other hostages taken who have been tortured, who have been hurt, who also went to Iraq with very good intentions. Like the woman who was heading up C.A.R.E.

SPINNER: Yes. I mean, I think it does have something to do with the group who took her and also Jill's ability to make a connection with the kidnappers. I think that probably had a lot to do with it.

KAGAN: What do you think would be ahead for her?

SPINNER: I have no idea and I would ask her that question. I mean, I'm sure she's going to come back home to the United States to reunite with her family. And probably with some sorrow. I mean, she loves the Iraq story and I hope that she gets a chance to continue reporting there. That would be something I know, from knowing Jill, that she would want.

KAGAN: Personal twist, you have a twin sister.

SPINNER: I do.

KAGAN: And Jill has a twin sister. And Jill's twin sister came out just yesterday and made a plea for her sister's freedom. And your sister wrote a really nice piece about what it's like to have not just your sister but your twin put themselves in such a dangerous place like that. I'm sure you can feel that connection with her family at this time.

SPINNER: I can. And, you know, and Jill and I used to talk about being twins in a war zone and what it must have felt like for our partner in crime to be back home worrying and waiting for us. And I -- whenever -- doing this ordeal, my thoughts always went to Katie, Jill's sister, wondering how she was coping. And actually she coped just fine. She never gave up hope that her sister would be released.

KAGAN: But don't you think sometimes it's easier to be the one who gets to go rather than the one who stays behind?

SPINNER: No one wants to get left behind. And, you know, Jill and I always talked about how we had so much fun together in Baghdad. And our sisters didn't have that luxury. They were always worrying 24 hours a day about us.

KAGAN: Well, you've lived both sides of the stories. You got to go and report from there and you also have been behind worrying about your good friend. And we appreciate you sharing your time and your insights with us this morning.

SPINNER: Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: Jackie Spinner at "The Washington Post." Jackie, thank you and congratulations on the good news.

SPINNER: Thank you.

KAGAN: Well he battled back from the brink of death. Randy McCloy Jr., the sole survivor of the Sago Mine disaster, goes home from the hospital today. Just a short time ago we brought you live pictures of McCloy, with his wife by his side, as they prepare to leave a hospital in West Virginia. The state's governor, Joe Manchin, presented McCloy with a street sign. It says "Miracle Road." It's the new name of the street where the McCloy's live.

Then the man who survived more than 40 hours trapped underground with only poisoned air to breathe spoke a few words.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RANDAL MCCLOY JR., SAGO MINE SURVIVOR: I'd just like to thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers. I believe that's it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Short but sweet. And here's something even sweeter. He is headed home with his family.

Let's go ahead and bring you the latest on Mary Winkler. We are watching live pictures from Selmer, Tennessee, where she was making her preliminary -- it was her preliminary hearing today. She is charged with first degree murder in the shooting of her husband. The shooting and killing of her husband. It was just announced a couple of minutes ago in this Tennessee courtroom that Mary Winkler, the wife of the preacher, will be held without bail.

On the phone with us right now, criminal defense attorney Richard Herman. He is on the phone from New York.

Good morning.

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Good morning Daryn.

KAGAN: Not a big surprise that this is how this is playing out for right now?

HERMAN: No. A great strategy by the defense. I mean, in most cases, you want -- a defense attorney wants a preliminary hearing because they want the prosecution or the government to unfold and give them information about the case. But here, because the facts are so open and shut, I mean the defense attorney is going to do everything in his power to try to make some sort of resolution, some sort of plea so that Mary Winkler sees the light of day again.

KAGAN: We saw a little bit of the seeds being planted for that. One of her defense attorneys came on our air just a short while before this hearing began and suggested that his client is in a very desperate mental state.

HERMAN: Well, she's in a desperate state, that's for certain, Daryn. I mean, I have to tell you, this would have been a great opportunity for the defense to stand up and perhaps give some insight into why this incident happened, to try to get public sentiment on her side. But he didn't.

He basically just said, I waive everything. I waive the issue of bail. We're not going to have a bail hearing here today. I consent to submit this to the grand jury. I don't want any issues here.

He's trying to pave the way for the prosecution. It really shows that he's probably been discussing this case every day with the prosecution in hopes of getting some sort of resolution. So, again, so there is a hope for her to see the light of day.

KAGAN: And if this was your client, would you want her to stay in jail with no bail? Is this the best place for her right now?

HERMAN: Oh, I think, Daryn, at this point, absolutely. This was such a horrific crime. And in the bedroom, with a shotgun, in the back, one or two shots, dead on in the back from about four to six feet range. It's just horrible.

KAGAN: Well, the big question out there, though, still is motive. We don't really know what was happening behind closed doors with this family.

HERMAN: No.

KAGAN: So that's -- go ahead.

HERMAN: We don't know motive, but perhaps -- you know, perhaps there is some form of mitigation. But, you know, motive -- this is a dead man. A young man who's dead. A father of children and a husband. It's just a horrific crime here. And motive, well, I done know. We'll find out about the motive down the road, maybe, but there's got to be some sort of mental incapacity here.

KAGAN: But you do make a good point, the one besides Matthew Winkler who really loses the three children -- the three young girls who now basically have lost their mother and their father for now at least.

HERMAN: Absolutely.

KAGAN: Defense Attorney Richard Herman, thanks for your insight today.

We're going to get back to happier moments in a little bit, bring you more on Randy McCloy's amazing recovery from that mine in West Virginia. The steps he's taking today did not come easy. We'll hear from our Dr. Sanjay Gupta ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's get back to the story of Randal McCloy Jr., the miner that was able to survive the death trap in West Virginia. We saw him for the first time today as he made his way out, making his first public appearance. Well, how is he able to survive when a dozen other men breathing the same poisoned air died? Some possible answers now for you. Here is CNN's Senior Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Just three months after being rescued from the mine, Randy McCloy has made some significant improvements for sure. In three months he's already learned to be able to walk again, to be able to speak again. These are some of the things that doctors thought he might never do after looking at some of those initial brain scans.

You'll remember now, carbon monoxide is something that basically kicks oxygen out of the bloodstream and out of the brain subsequently. So you think of it as almost having had a total brain stroke, which is what Randy had in so many ways. The question was, could they get rid of that carbon monoxide in time. He went through three hyperbaric treatments. Actually forcing oxygen into the bloodstream.

He was also given a very interesting and experimental, in some ways, fatty acid called DHA. The whole idea behind this fatty acid is that it goes into your bloodstream and repairs nerves. This seems to have worked out for Randy, according to the doctors that spoke earlier today.

As you watch Randy walk into the news conference, a couple of things that you might notice. The right side of his body really not moving as well as the left side. I never really saw him move his right arm very much. He seems to be favoring that right leg as well. That is not unusual at all in someone who's had a left brain injury. That's relevant because it's the left side of your brain that controls your speech, your ability to communicate, as well as to receive communication as well.

But here's the best news in all of this. Typically after a brain injury, people make recoveries up to 18 months after the injury itself. It's only been three months for Randy. He has 15 months where he could still make some considerable improvements. He probably will considering how much he has already improved today. We'll certainly keep you posted, follow him along. If I talk to his doctors, I'll get back to you as well.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Thank you, Sanjay.

Just a few minutes ago we were watching these pictures out of Selmer, Tennessee. That's Mary Winkler, the woman accused of shooting and killing her preacher husband. Her attorneys today waived her right to a preliminary hearing. Also did not ask for bail. Right after this appearance took place, they appeared outside the courthouse. And this is what Mary Winkler's defense attorneys had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One of those things, as Steve has told you, at about 12:30 this morning, after long discussions as to what the proper thing to do in regard to bond, a decision was made not to ask for bond.

STEVE FARESE, SR., WINKLER'S ATTORNEY: There's another consideration here also, and that's the consideration of the Winkler children. We feel it does no one any good to hear bad things said about the mother of children. We don't feel that it does anyone any good to hear gruesome things about their late father. We don't think that it does Matthew Winkler's parents, kin people, any good to have to suffer any more than they've already suffered.

This is not a circus. This is a legal proceeding. They happen all over the free world every day. And all we want is a fair trial for Mary Carol Winkler. We don't want the field tilted in any way. All we want is a 50/50 shot at representing her to the best of our ability.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And we'll have more on the Winkler case as it develops.

Meanwhile, we're talking about your finances. Mortgage rates on the rise, but does it mean it's time to refinance? Gerri Willis is going to have you talk -- or at least think twice about that.

Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Daryn, good to see you.

You know, the Federal Reserve raised interest rate this week. If you have an adjustable rate mortgage, we've got some important information on how to save money. That's up next on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The markets have been open about an hour, moving up a little bit. And you can see the Dow is up 22 points, and the Nasdaq is up as well. It is up nine points.

Let's talk about your money now. Earlier this week, a bunch of economic experts made a decision that lands on the doorstep of millions of homeowners. The Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates for the 15th consecutive time. So if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, our "Top Five Tip" could save you thousands of dollars. Our Personal Finance Editor Gerri Willis joining us today from Orlando.

WILLIS: That's right. I'm on the road for "Open House." Having a ton of fun.

KAGAN: Excellent. We'll talk "Open House" in a moment. First, let's get to the "Top Five Tips" about refinancing.

WILLIS: You bet.

Listen, this is a very big deal, Daryn. For people who have adjustable rate mortgages out there, this is very big news. Fifteen rate hikes. It's really showing up for you. And this year alone one in 10 mortgages is going to have a higher rate of interest. If you have an A.R.M., listen up. You could see a possible doubling of your monthly mortgage payments as interest rates rise.

And the job here is to check your mortgage documents. The very first pages should tell you what kind of interest rate you're on the hook for, how much it will go up. Typically, though, it doesn't go up any more than 2 percent a year with a lifetime cap of 6 percent.

But, Daryn, I've got to tell you, that is a lot of money when you get right down to it. On a $200,000 loan with a 4.5 percent rate of interest, if it's repriced at the high end, the 6.5 percent, you could be paying $300 more each and every month. Some people, if they don't refinance, may not be able to afford their house.

KAGAN: Wow. OK. But that doesn't mean you necessarily do it. You have to figure out how much it's really going to cost you because there's cost involved with refinancing as well.

WILLIS: Yes. And it's expensive. It could be 2 to 3 percent of the value of your loan. So you want to sit down, work through all of the costs. And, believe me, there are a lot of them, including title insurance, which can run thousands of dollars. Look at every cost, I know it's hard to do, but don't forget the appraisal fees, loan and origination fees. It really adds up.

KAGAN: So how do you find the best lender if, indeed, it is time to refinance?

WILLIS: Well, the first thing to do is to go to your current lender because they may offer you a good deal. So they may offer you a little cheat on the price, get it a little cheaper. That would be great. But then you've got to go out and get lenders estimates from all over, online, off line, real world, on the Internet. Compare them. Hold their feet to the fire. Look, they're looking for business right now. I'm telling you, their business has been less successful in recent years. People are getting laid off. They want your business. Hold their feet to the fire.

KAGAN: So as you're shopping around this time around forget the interest only loan.

WILLIS: Yes. I know a lot of people like these, but, you know, if you have an interest only loan, you have the option of paying no principal. That means as interest rates are now rising, you now owe more money than the house was originally worth.

KAGAN: That's trouble.

WILLIS: So watch out for those. Those people are really on the hook for higher payments. And also watch out for the payment option loan. This is not what you want going forward. It allows you to pay almost anything you want to month-to-month. That's a bit of an overstatement. But you can pay interest only, you can pay principle, you can pay less than interest only. At the end of the day, you're really not doing anything to whittle down that principle.

KAGAN: What is the light at the end of the tunnel here, please?

WILLIS: Well, the light at the end of the tunnel, Daryn, is that the Fed could be very nearly done raising rates. We've had 15 rate hikes. It's become a bad habit with them. They're about to get over it. That means that you could see some leveling off in interest rates.

One other note, watch out for the home equity lines of credit out there. You know, they are variable rates of interest. A lot of people have used them in recent years. You want to make sure you understand where the rate can go on that, too.

KAGAN: And now let's get the scoop behind your trip. What are you doing in Orlando for "OPEN HOUSE"?

WILLIS: Well, we've been looking at prices here. A lot of different stories, really. The one we're going to talk about Saturday, Miami condo prices. Really interesting story there. The market in flux. We're starting to see people ask for lower bids. Fewer people out there looking for condos.

We've also -- we're going to plug into the immigration story this week, hiring illegals. What is your liability? And, also, we're going to talk about adjustable rates, just as I did. What should you do? What are you looking for when you get those mortgage documents, and what kind of loan should you get? Daryn.

KAGAN: Sounds interesting all the way around. Have a great time in Florida.

WILLIS: Thank you.

KAGAN: Gerri Willis, thank you.

And then there were nine.

(MUSIC)

KAGAN: Lisa Tucker, tucking her things in her suitcase today. She's out on "American Idol." We'll talk about what's next ahead on LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Well, an update for you now. This just in on closely watched same sex marriage case. As you might remember, Massachusetts was the first state to legalize gay marriage. Just minutes ago, the state's highest court ruled that couples from other states will not be allowed to marry in Massachusetts. Hundreds of gay couples from other states have flocked to Massachusetts to marry. Today's decision puts the legal status of those marriages in question.

Thirty-five minutes past the hour. A chance for you dads out there to have a little talk, you and me. You know you get ticked when the kids invade the parental bedroom. Well, one Michigan man is so mad he's making a spectacle of himself.

On that, here is CNN's Jeanne Moos.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Some guys go through the roof when they get mad. This guy camped out on top of it, to his wife's surprise.

VALENTINA WILSON, JAMES WIFE: I was in the kitchen and I seen a ladder go up and at first I thought he was going to check on the leaves or something. And then I see the tent and say, "What are you doing?" and he told me he was on strike.

MOOS: "Hubby on Strike" reads the sign atop the Wilson home in Redford, Michigan.

JAMES WILSON, HUSBAND ON STRIKE: I want the children removed from our bedroom, ASAP.

MOOS: James Wilson has had it with his wife letting their kids sleep in the marital bed.

J. WILSON: The children are wreaking havoc on our intimacy, I should say.

MOOS: His wife's not convinced he should say it. Valentina finds it all embarrassing.

J. WILSON: Not to me.

MOOS: First Valentina let their sons sleep in their bed for about six months. Now he's older and has graduated to his own room. But his baby sister is now sleeping with her parents, in their bed and beside it.

V. WILSON: I think it's important to spend time with the babies, you know?

J. WILSON: And I think it's important to spend time with the husband.

V. WILSON: And he knows she doesn't go to sleep without me.

MOOS: James has started a Web site called "Husband on Strike." He describes himself as the president of the Association of Desperate Husbands. And he's collected several thousand names on a petition calling for the immediate removal of the kids from the bedroom.

J. WILSON: We're a happy family but some things have got to change immediately. I want my bedroom back. I want the diapers and the toys removed immediately.

V. WILSON: There is no negotiation. The bond with me and the kids are really important.

MOOS: Though other parents haven't taken to the roof, they're familiar with the problem.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have actually seen people divorce over this.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm in favor of the husband, make that absolutely clear.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The guy needs a break sometime, so give the guy a break.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When they're sick and it is an exception, but you know, you're married for a reason, right?

MOOS: No one we talked to sided with Valentina. James is a marketing consultant so he knows how to pull a stunt the press can't resist.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One frustrated husband's story coming up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why is a husband on strike?

MOOS: James, by the way, isn't sleeping on the roof. He just hangs out there for a few hours a day.

V. WILSON: Oh we have a good marriage.

J. WILSON: We have a wonderful marriage. I love my wife. She's a great mom.

MOOS: The point may be, honey, get rid of the kids, but he's starting to sound like one.

J. WILSON: You were with me before them.

V. WILSON: I know but now they're here.

J. WILSON: I come first.

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: That is going to be a talker across America.

People also talking about "American Idol." Did you see who got kicked off last night? And what did the remaining contestants face for next week? We'll talk about that in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RYAN SEACREST, "AMERICAN IDOL": The person with the lowest number of votes leaving us tonight on AMERICAN IDOL is Lisa Tucker.

Katherine, you are safe. (END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: You know, just know, you were not surprised by the outcome last night. Sixteen-year-old Lisa Tucker, her dream of being an "American Idol" is over. With a look at how it happens, who remains, what's next, Headline News entertainment anchor Adrianna Costa is here to talk about that.

How about this little coffee set that's set up.

ADRIANNA COSTA, HEADLINE NEWS ENTERTAINMENT: Let's talk coffee talk. Isn't that what it was?

KAGAN: That's past my bedtime, but "American Idol" was not.

Lisa Tucker, you kind of predicted this last week.

COSTA: We did predict it. I have to say. But you know what, she has been in the bottom three for two weeks in a row.

KAGAN: Deservedly.

COSTA: I thought it was her time to go five weeks ago.

KAGAN: Before top 12.

COSTA: Like before it even started.

But listen, she, you know, she was an ambitious young girl. I don't think her "American Idol" dream is necessarily over. She still has probably a long road to go, but definitely her time to go. What a big shock was the bottom three.

KAGAN: Bottom three. Katherine McPhee, who knew that she was going to be in the bottom three.

COSTA: We did predict it, I have to tell you.

KAGAN: Come on, when we were in the makeup room, when you and I were in the makeup room yesterday, you were even saying that it was possible.

COSTA: Right. We kind looked into our blogs and our dial-a-idol and all this stuff, and it said Katherine McPhee is probably going to be in the bottom three. Why, I don't know. At the end of the day...

KAGAN: Because she was terrible the night before.

COSTA: But you know what, you would think Bucky would be in the bottom three. But also it was Ace in the bottom three, rounding out the bottom three. Understandably so, I would say. Ace has this thing going on where he looks at the camera. He likes to seduce the ladies.

KAGAN: Ladies, no. He likes to seduce the seven-year-olds.

COSTA: It's like boy band boat, you missed it. Like what are you doing? So next week.

KAGAN: Next week it's going to be country I hear. That's what they announced.

COSTA: Country music.

KAGAN: So who is that potentially good for, and who is that not good for?

COSTA: Here's the deal is that Kellie Pickler, obviously, has country roots. She's going to be fine. Taylor Hicks. He'S very bluesy, soulful.

KAGAN: You're a fan.

COSTA: I'm a huge fan of his. And you know what, blues and soul and all of that is sort of linked to country music. So he'll probably find something that'll work for him. Chris Daughtry, you probably remember, he had his rendition of "Walk the Line," and it worked. Now you might say it's getting a little bit old.

KAGAN: He's the rocker guy that no matter what the genre is, he turns it into a rock song. Even Simon said this week, getting a little old. At some point, you're going to have to bring something different to the party.

COSTA: And a little overindulgent, which I would agree with also. But you know what, he's going to be safe next week.

Now, Bucky, whose roots are completely in country, I don't know if it's going to save him from elimination. My personal opinion -- listen, I like the guy a lot. But I think he's going to be the one to go next week, even though his roots are in country and next week is all about country.

KAGAN: I think either Bucky or Ace.

COSTA: Now, as far as someone -- some of the people who I don't think are going to be too safe, it's going to be tough for them, probably a pretty painful show for them, Ace, of course, and then Elliott Yamin. I mean, we don't really see him with a country edge ever, you know.

KAGAN: Now, and he came on strong. In recent weeks, not quite as strong. There's something kind of likable about him. And we had a little bit of a debate about Mandisa. You think she might have trouble with country. But I read that she's done country backup singing. And I think she could sing anything.

COSTA: And her audition was with Faith Hill. So you know, I might have to take that back. I mean, I don't know. We always see her with soulful, sort of gospel songs. So I just really don't picture her doing much country. But we'll have to see. She could totally prove me wrong. She's a brilliant singer as it is.

Let me just tell you this, I saw yesterday watching the show, or Tuesday night, I'm like, wait, can I be an "American Idol?" I actually sound better than some of the people in the shower.

KAGAN: Well, I'll have to take your word for that. But I'll tell you this, you are voted on for next week. You come back next Thursday and we'll talk about who did and who didn't.

COSTA: Fabulous.

KAGAN: We're enjoying our little talk.

COSTA: I love it, coffee talk. Cheers to you.

KAGAN: Thanks for stopping by, Adrianna.

COSTA: Thank you.

KAGAN: And you can see more of Adrianna. You can her showbiz reports everyday on "ROBIN AND COMPANY." That's on headline news. Our first cousin just downstairs from us here at CNN, 6:00 a.m..

COSTA: She looks great.

KAGAN: She looks gorgeous, and nice, too.

COSTA: As are you.

KAGAN: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Headline News.

Adrianna, thank you.

COSTA: Thank you.

(MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: And we are back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: "How I Spent my Spring Break," by President Bush. He's in Cancun, Mexico, with the leaders of Mexico and Canada. Today a little tourista or touristo action. He is at the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Free leaders spending two days. Of course, Cancun is known as a beer and bikini mecca. But, they, after the sight- seeing, will be having talks designed to showcase North American unity. Live pictures of President Bush there.

More on the president's trip ahead. Meanwhile, the inquiring minds of a former senator might want to know. Did Barry Bonds use steroids? The Associated Press says that George Mitchell will lead an investigation into Bonds and other Major League baseball players. AP says the announcement could come as early as today. This follows a book by two "San Francisco Chronicle" reporters about Bonds and his alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. CNN will bring you details if and when that does happens.

The campus crisis is getting hotter at Duke University. Duke's lacrosse team faces allegations that some members raped an exotic dancer. The team is lawyered up, and Duke's president meets with students to calm things down.

CNN's Jason Carroll is following those developments.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CROWD: Wake up! Wake up! The sun is up!

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There is anger here at Duke University, and students who showed up for a protest also want answers.

CROWD: You can't run! You can't hide!

CARROLL: The outrage is directed at the university's lacrosse team. The highly-ranked team has been suspended amid allegations three of its players raped a young woman at the home where some of the players live.

CROWD: We want the members of the Duke lacrosse team to come clean.

CARROLL: According to police on March 13, the players hired two exotic dancers to perform during a party. One of the women says the men got out of control, three of them forcing her into a bathroom, where she says she was sexually assaulted. The incident report saying the victim stated she was hit, kicked and strangled during the assault and she attempted to defend herself.

The 27-year-old woman, who was black and a student at a nearby university, says the young men, who were white, shouted racial slurs at her. Police have taken DNA samples from 46 of the team's 47 members. The remaining player is black. The district attorney says the players have not been forthcoming about what happened.

MICHAEL NIFONG, DURHAM DISTRICT ATTORNEY: It just seems like a shame that they are not willing to violate this seeming sacred sense of loyalty to team for loyalty to community, which seems to me to be a bigger issue.

CARROLL: The team's captain released a statement expressing remorse for throwing the party, but saying, "Any allegation that a sexual assault or rape occurred is totally and transparently false."

This is not the first time that the team has run into trouble. Fifteen players have prior minor offenses, mostly for underage drinking. And the same night of the alleged assault, a black woman who passed by the house called 911 in tears after she says a young man standing outside shouted racial slurs at her.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I saw them all come out like a big frat house and me and my black girlfriend are walking by and they called us (EXPLETIVE).

CARROLL: Students at the school, both white and black, say this incident has touched a raw nerve. BRANDON HUDSON, DUKE UNIVERSITY STUDENT: This incident just seems really to shock us because of the brutal nature of which it is alleged, which it is described. And, you know, put on top of that, the racist implications that, you know, were involved.

SEYWARD DARBY, DUKE UNIVERSITY NEWSPAPER EDITOR: People are just in awe and in shock of the attention that it's getting and the fact that the truth still hasn't come out. And everybody is waiting for the DNA tests to come back.

CARROLL: Duke University's president says he understands the concern among students, but says judgment against the players should be withheld until DNA results are released.

RICHARD BRODHEAD, PRES., DUKE UNIVERSITY: You know, we don't know what the truth is. There's two very different stories. And it's not in our power to establish the truth because we can't do DNA testing and things of that sort. And so, in some sense, we have to try to suspend judgment at a time when emotions make you want to reach a judgment.

CARROLL (on camera): DNA test results are due back next week. It just so happens that this week is sexual harassment awareness week at Duke University.

Jason Carroll, CNN, Durham, North Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Interesting timing there, Jason, thank you.

Coming up, kids kidnapped and killed. Parents in Japan are fighting back with high tech tools. We'll show you just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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