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CNN Sunday Morning

McGuckin Children in Custody

Aired June 03, 2001 - 07:00   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.
LINDA STOUFFER, CNN ANCHOR: We want to begin right now in northern Idaho where five of JoAnn McGuckin's children are in protective custody. They're in good condition we're told and authorities are hoping to keep all the siblings together.

CNN's Lilian Kim says that that was the key to ending the standoff with police.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LILIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A sport utility vehicle drove away from the McGuckin compound, inside, the five children, who for five days barricaded themselves inside their home. It took family members, friends and officials several hours to coax the children to leave the property.

SHERIFF PHIL JARVIS, BONNER COUNTY: We've had people that they've trusted move in toward the residence for some time, establishing contact. It's just been a long, tedious process of gaining trust. And it was an inch at a time.

KIM: Authorities then took the children to a local hospital. The five brothers and sisters ages eight to 16 are said to have no injuries and appear to be in very good shape.

SUSAN MONTGOMERY, BONNER GENERAL HOSPITAL NURSING: Their condition is very good. There are no injuries. They are ambulatory and looking fine. And we're happy to have them and happy that things are going so well.

KIM: Authorities say the children were armed with guns and protected by a pack of vicious dogs. The children are now expected to be placed in protective custody. And at least three families reportedly offered to take care of the children.

SGT. ROBERT RAHN, BONNER COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: They'll be under the care of Health and Welfare with the assistance of some family members, et cetera.

QUESTION: Will they be splitting off to separate families?

RAHN: I do not know. I do not believe so.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) RAHN: Well, that is not our wish that they be split up.

KIM (on camera): As for the children's mother, Joanne McGuckin, she remains behind bars on a $100,000 bond. Her lawyer wants that bail reduced in hopes of getting her out of jail.

Lilian Kim, CNN, Garfield Bay, Idaho.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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