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American Morning

Authorities Believed Kidnapped Girls Only Minutes from Death

Aired August 02, 2002 - 08:03   ET

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

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We continue to track this story in L.A. Two teenage girls rescued by sheriffs' deputies after being abducted and raped have now been released from the hospital. They're back home.
For the latest on this ordeal that captivated the country for 12 hours and more, James Hattori, live today in Monterey Park, California -- good morning, James.

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

And an ordeal it was, 12 hours, as you say, for these two girls. But they are reported to be in relatively good condition, considering what they've gone through, an ordeal that officials say very nearly cost them their lives.

They were rescued yesterday after a dramatic car chase and shooting in a dry riverbed in Kern County, about 100 miles north of where they were kidnapped. They were taken at gunpoint from two separate cars. Their companions left tied up at a spot known as a lover's lane near Lancaster. That was early Thursday.

The kidnappers drove off with them in one of the cars, a white Bronco. It was eventually spotted by a Kern County animal control officer around noon yesterday and that's when deputies moved in.

The kidnapper is identified as Ray Ratliff. He apparently swerved on a hill, reportedly drew a weapon. Deputies, after rescuing the girls, fired at Ratliff, killing him. Ratliff is, we are told, a convicted felon and burglary and drug convictions and wanted for violating parole.

Bill, authorities say he raped the two girls and apparently they say that they believe his plan was to kill them and bury them in that remote part of the county, Kern County, that is -- Bill.

HEMMER: James Hattori in California.

Thank you, James.

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