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CNN Sunday Morning

Police Frustrated in Search for Elizabeth Smart

Aired June 09, 2002 - 10:21   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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: In Utah, it's been four nights now since 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home. Police say so far it's been a serious frustration for them from lots of tips leading to a dead end. CNN's James Hattori joins us now live from Salt Lake City with an update on this. Hi, Kyra

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra. Hi, Kyra. On a day of prayer and thanks in this community, there is, unfortunately, no encouraging word from investigators looking for 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. Still, her parents say they are very thankful for the police and the community for their support. Yesterday, the Smarts visited with some of the up to 150 -- rather 1,500 volunteers who are taking part in the daily search effort. It was their first public appearance in a couple days during a period of great stress and anxiety for them, of course. The Smarts say they still believe their daughter is alive.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ED SMART, ELIZABETH'S FATHER: Whoever this person is out there that has her is going to soften his heart and see that he needs to let her come home. She is missed deeply by the community, by us. We just -- we want her home. We really want her home.

LOIS SMART, ELIZABETH'S MOTHER: And Elizabeth, if you can hear us, we love you, Elizabeth. We haven't forgotten. And everybody wants you back. And we won't stop until you're home.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HATTORI: For investigators, the frustration continues to deepen. To give you an idea of what they're facing, they're in the process of eliminating possibilities now. There was a sketch -- a composite sketch of a person they wanted to question yesterday. Within hours of it being released, police found the man, questioned him, and determined he was of no relevance to the case -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: James Hattori, live in Salt Lake City, thank you so much.

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