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CNN Sunday Morning

Search for Elizabeth Smart Continues

Aired June 09, 2002 - 11:08   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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: On to Utah now, where authorities haven't let up in the search for 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. She disappeared from her family's home last week. Within hours of releasing a composite drawing yesterday of a man believed to have had some contact with Elizabeth before her disappearance, police have had contact with him. Our James Hattori is in Salt Lake City, and, James, what did police learn from that man?

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we'll tell you about it in a second, Fredricka. As you can imagine, investigators despite the fact that investigators have not given any encouraging word as to the investigation, volunteers you can see behind me are gathering for a fourth day of searching for any kind of clues. It's an effort for which Elizabeth's family is expressing gratitude.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LOIS SMART, MOTHER: We appreciate so much what you've done.

HATTORI (voice over): Despite days of stress and exhaustion, Ed and Lois Smart paid a visit to volunteers undertaking the daily search for their kidnapped daughter. They say they remain convinced 14-year- old Elizabeth Smart is still alive.

ED SMART, FATHER: We know that 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.

HATTORI: Saturday, investigators issued a composite sketch of a man they wanted to question who had contact with Elizabeth prior to her disappearance, but hours later they found him and determined he had no connection to the case.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We took care of the questioning and we're satisfied with what he gave us.

HATTORI: Aside from up 1,500 volunteers on the ground, more than a dozen private pilots took to the skies Saturday in planes and helicopters to join the search.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hopefully, track down anything or to spot anything that we can on the ground, any abandoned cars, any people.

HATTORI: And it is hope that sustains Elizabeth's family. L. SMART: We feel your love and support and I know she does too and we will find her. Thank you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We give you a standing ovation. Thank you very much.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HATTORI: The community support continues. Today, there will be a candlelight vigil, as well as a prayer service in honor of Elizabeth Smart, and of course, the family hopes that today will be the day that there will be some good news -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right, James Hattori, thank you very much from Salt Lake City.

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