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American Morning

No Charges Yet in Oregon Girls' Deaths

Aired August 27, 2002 - 08:01   ET

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

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And for the latest on the headlines, we go first to Oregon. And there are no charges yet in the deaths of two young Oregon girls. But that could change soon. Prosecutors are taking their case to the grand jury today.
Our James Hattori is in Oregon City this morning with the latest on this high profile case -- James, good morning.

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

You can see behind me the makeshift memorial along the chain link fence in front of Ward Weaver's home. It continues to grow as does the grieving here in this community as confirmation comes that the second set of remains found at Ward Weaver's home are, in fact, those of Ashley Pond. That confirmation coming yesterday.

She was the first of two young girls kidnapped from the airport complex right next door to Weaver's home. That word coming as investigators wrapped up the crime scene last night.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHARLES MATTHEWS, FBI: The search of the property concluded late last night and we're confident that we have obtained the evidence that's there and in a format suitable for, to assist the prosecution.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HATTORI: As friends and family continue to mourn for both Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis, the other girl kidnapped from the airport complex next door, the legal work is already underway in the case against Ward Weaver. The prosecutor says he will seek charges but only after presenting evidence to a grand jury.

And, Daryn, the FBI also indicates that there is a possibility they're looking into that the bodies may have been moved from a previous location to the Weaver home and that, of course, would explain why, perhaps, earlier searches, including those with dogs, did not indicate anything here -- Daryn.

KAGAN: James Hattori in Oregon City, thank you so much.

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