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CNN Live Event/Special

Sheriff H.F. Cassell Briefs Press

Aired August 18, 2002 - 10:01   ET

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

MARINA KOLBE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For the latest news on the disappearance of the 9-year-old Jennifer Short, Henry County Sheriff H.F. Cassell is briefing the media. Let's listen in.
SHERIFF H.F. CASSELL, HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA: We ran down several leads last evening and throughout the night, since I last talked to you. We've developed several more this morning that we've got men acting on as we speak. But that's about all I know to tell you at this time. I'll be glad to answer any questions.

QUESTION: How promising are these leads that you're getting?

CASSELL: We've had a couple fairly promising. We got -- that we're working on, but...

QUESTION: Are they local or national? The leads?

CASSELL: Local.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

CASSELL: No. No.

QUESTION: You put out new photographs last night. I think this case was mentioned on "America's Most Wanted." Have you gotten any response to the Amber alert system?

CASSELL: No, we haven't noticed any difference since the new photograph.

QUESTION: Can you talk about the autopsy results?

CASSELL: We still don't have them. We will not have the official results before Monday. The information that I gave you yesterday was a verbal. We do not have the results and probably will not have them before Monday.

QUESTION: What about the residence itself? The investigation continuing there (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?

CASSELL: What about it?

QUESTION: Is the investigation at the residence itself, are you pretty much wrapped up there?

CASSELL: We probably will go back there at least one more time.

QUESTION: Is the search still on hold?

CASSELL: At this time, until we develop something different.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

CASSELL: That's correct.

QUESTION: Are the sheriff's deputies still going out in cars?

CASSELL: Yes. Yes.

QUESTION: ... and looking?

CASSELL: Yes.

QUESTION: How far of a radius are they now doing?

CASSELL: Well, we're primarily in the Bassett area, but pretty much all over the county. We have patrols county-wide. And Franklin County, which is...

KOLBE: And that was some live coverage that we're bringing you from Collinsville, Virginia, where the latest was being told on the disappearance of 9-year-old Jennifer Short. What the sheriff is saying, basically, they have a couple of promising leads, and that the investigation continues. And that was Henry County Sheriff H.F. Cassell. Of course, we'll be keeping you updated with more developments as they become available.

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