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American Morning

Five Houston Children Buried After Alleged Murder by Mother

Aired June 27, 2001 - 11:01   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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Numbers may be up, but hearts and emotions feeling down in Houston, Texas, a city overcome with grief today. Russell Yates is going to eulogize his five children this hour, an unimaginable duty for a father. While Yates buries his young family, his wife sits in jail, accused of drowning the four boys and baby girl a week ago today.

CNN correspondent Ed Lavandera joins us now. He is standing there outside the church in Houston, Texas -- Ed.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Leon, as you just showed a moment ago, Russell Yates arriving wearing a dark suit and holding a manila folder which we presume holds the eulogies that he will be delivering later on this morning. People have already starting arriving for the memorial service that is expected to get under way here in about a little less than 30 minute.

Mr. Yates will deliver the eulogy. He will be the only one speaking beside the minister heading up the service, talking about all five of his kids: seven-year-old Noah, five-year-old John, three-year- old Paul, two-year-old Luke and six-month-old Mary. The minister spoke with reporters here just a few hours ago, and says that he will try to keep an uplifting message in today's service.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. BYRON FIKE, CLEAR LAKE CHURCH OF CHRIST: We're basically going to move through this service with the theme of from tragedy to triumph. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we believe these children will rise again as well. So, this is not the end.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LAVANDERA: The minister is saying that he has spent several hours over the last couple of days, many hours working with Russell Yates, preparing the words that he will deliver today. As you might imagine, there are no words that can put into context just how difficult this must be for Mr. Yates. We asked the minister if he thought it would be remarkable that Mr. Yates even made it through the entire eulogy. He said one of the most poignant moments from today's interview with the minister saying that he thought only one in a thousand people could deliver a eulogy like this and he thinks Russell Yates is that person -- Leon. HARRIS: All right, thanks, Ed Lavandera standing by live in Houston, Texas. We're going to check back in with Ed at the half hour as the service for these five children gets under way, so please stay with us for that.

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