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CNN Saturday Morning News

Developments in Missing Pregnant Marine Case; Democratic Candidates in Nevada

Aired January 12, 2008 - 09:00   ET

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

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Stay tuned for more news on CNN.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Well, good morning. Hello from the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Saturday, January 12th. I'm T.J. Holmes.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen.

We want to thank you for starting your day with us. And we begin with the case of that missing pregnant marine and what is now a murder investigation. In North Carolina, investigators are carefully sifting through the dirt of what appears to be a shallow grave in the backyard of a house near Camp Lejeune.

HOLMES: And they think the body of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach may be buried there and CNN's Ed Lavandera is in Jacksville, North Carolina on top of the story for us.

Good morning to you, Ed.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN, CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, T.J..

Well, investigators are back at the home of Cesar Lauren's house, the marine corporal now the main suspect authorities say here in what they're calling the murder of Maria Lauterbach. Those crime scene investigators are back at the house, looking into a shallow grave and trying to determine whether or not the remains that are in that shallow grave are indeed those of Maria Lauterbach. They say they have strong reason to believe that that is indeed the case.

Last night, they were inside the home searching for evidence and investigators here say they found blood splatter in several rooms of the house and the garage. And also efforts to conceal what was on the walls. That there had been the blood stains on the wall have been painted over.

That's what the investigators here are saying, but also one of the other key pieces of evidence and perhaps one of the more bizarre twists in this case, they say there was a note left behind by Caesar Lauren to his wife saying that in that note Lauren, investigators say, said that Lauterbach had killed herself and that he buried the body.

Investigators here clearly not believing any of that at this point. They say that if that indeed were the case, why would Lauren be on the run at this point. But in terms of Lauren, there has still been no sign of him even though he's been gone from the area a little more than 24 hours at this point, but there's been no reports of any sightings of his truck or of this marine corporal anywhere -- T.J.

HOLMES: Ed Lavandera for us there on the case in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Ed, we appreciate you.

We're going to have a lot more on the story. There's the shot there that the sheriff there Ed Brown is just coming out. He's coming out to talk to us. We're going to wait for him to get his microphone on and get adjusted and we're going to talk to Ed Brown here in just a moment.

NGUYEN: Fast moving developments in that case. You definitely want to stay tuned to that. We're going to move on to this briefly and then we will get back to the sheriff.

Taking you to politics now and the battle that is heating up out west. Nevada is the next contest for democrats. The caucuses there coming one week from today and it's really becoming a two-way race in Nevada with both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama hoping to hit the jackpot. CNN's Jim Acosta is in Las Vegas this morning. Man, that's a tough assignment.

Good morning, Jim.

JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Betty, before you get too envious, realize it's 6:00 in the morning here in Las Vegas. People are just going to bed right now on the strip.

We are just getting started because the next big contest for the democrats will be one week from today, the Nevada caucus, and you can expect Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton spending a lot of time here over the next week in anticipation of that caucus. And all of a sudden Hillary Clinton is holding the better cards after winning in New Hampshire. She's looking to double down after that victory there.

But first let's talk about Barack Obama who was in town yesterday picking up a key endorsement from the Culinary Workers' Union, which represents a lot of casino workers in this town.

In a speech to the union yesterday, Obama tried to fire up those workers, many of whom are Hispanic by using the catch slogan of the old United Farm Workers' leader, Caesar Chavez, when Barack Obama said over and over again to those workers, si se puede or in English, yes we can.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: Si se puede. That's your story. The story of local 226. That's how dishwashers and hotel workers, cooks and cleaning staff realize their dream in this desert town.

That's how you stood up for a bottom line that didn't just include profits for the few, but prosperity for the many. The bottom line that includes a decent wage and affordable health care, a decent benefits and the right to organize for a better future. That's what you have been fighting for. And that's how we're going to win this caucus on Saturday.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ACOSTA: Now, later today the junior senator from New York, Hillary Clinton will be in Las Vegas addressing the sheet metal workers union. That's also a key union in this town. She was in California yesterday also making an appeal to Hispanic voters. She was asked about a comment she made about undocumented workers during one of those events in which she said there is no such thing as a "illegal woman."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yesterday you said that there's no illegal women. What did you mean by that?

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: What I meant was at an event in Las Vegas, a man asked me about what I was going to do to help his family because his wife was undocumented and he says, my wife, she is an illegal woman. I said there are no illegal women. There are only people and I want to have comprehensive immigration reform that will help people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ACOSTA: Now, while she was trying to appeal to Hispanics there, the theme of her speech yesterday was on the economy which is the issue that put her president husband, President Bill Clinton in the White House. I'll look for her to pick up on that theme later today.

She is also, we should mention in many of these events turning back to that tactic that worked for her in her campaign for the United States Senate, turning many of her events into town hall meetings. It is a forum that has worked for her in the past and seems to be working for her now -- Betty.

NGUYEN: We'll be watching. Jim Acosta joining us live from Las Vegas. Thank you, Jim.

Well, the top republican candidates are really spread out today. New Hampshire winner John McCain is in Michigan. He is holding a town hall meeting near the General Motors headquarters, just about 90 minutes from now. Native son, Mitt Romney also in Michigan today. He is in Battle Creek, the home of Kellogg's cereals. He's going to tell that the economy is a big issue right now.

Well, the Michigan primary is coming up on Tuesday. Iowa winner Mike Huckabee was in Michigan yesterday but now he has moved on to South Carolina. That state's republican primary is one week from today.

So where is Rudy Giuliani? Florida of course. Giuliani is really putting all his political eggs in Florida's basket. And you can see some of these events seen in special coverage this afternoon is all part of CNN's "BALLOT BOWL." Your chance to see the candidates unfiltered on the campaign trail. Tune in today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern for that.

HOLMES: We want to return to our top story, getting more details on the investigation of the case of that missing pregnant marine. We have Sheriff Ed Brown of County. Here with us now. Sheriff, we appreciate your time this morning. Can you hear me OK?

SHERIFF ED BROWN, ONSLOW COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA: Yes, I can hear you. Good morning.

HOLMES: Good morning to you, sir. Tell us, where is this suspect? Have calls been coming in? Are you getting tips? Do you have any idea where your suspect is in this case?

BROWN: We believe our suspect has fled the state of North Carolina, removed himself as far from here as he can get. And other than that, all I can say is, all law enforcement in state, the United States has the information identifying him as someone that we want stopped for questioning in the death of Maria Lauterbach.

HOLMES: And sir, I hear your language there, someone you won't stop and question, but do you believe this is the man that killed Marie Lauterbach?

BROWN: At this time, we believe he is involved in her death, very, very involved.

HOLMES: I just want to make sure that I can take that to believe, do you believe he is the man who killed her.

BROWN: I don't have a warrant in my hand and I'm not going to step out and tell you. I'm telling you he is involved and close, very close. When you consider somebody who takes somebody out in the backyard and bury them, I would say that's as close as you can get. However you commit yourself with a warrant.

HOLMES: All right. Sir, tell me also, when did you, I guess the witness come forward, the witness we're talking about who changed the case dramatically for you yesterday who has been reported by CNN as being the suspect's wife actually who came forward with information. When did she or this witness come forward and give you this information to make you think that in fact Lauterbach was dead?

BROWN: That witness came forth yesterday morning. Not only did the witness come forth, but the witness brought evidence that supported what she had to say, that immediately changed the direction of this case. And that immediately demanded that we bring in a massive amount of personnel who are starting the process of proving that case or examining that evidence.

HOLMES: And sir, did you believe that when the witness came forward that the suspect had already hightailed it out of town? BROWN: No, sir, not at that time. As a matter of fact, we called the military command and they said he had asked off that day. We didn't know where he had gone to work. I guess, I don't know what his work time is, but they said he had asked off for that day.

HOLMES: Well, excuse me, after the witness came forward, why was he not immediately picked up? If you had this information and you thought she was dead, why didn't you or did you try to go immediately and pick him up or put him under surveillance or some kind of way to bring him in instead of now having this potentially dangerous guy on the loose now?

BROWN: If you would ask me a question and let me answer it and not try to run ahead of me, I'll tell you.

HOLMES: By all means, go right ahead, sir.

BROWN: Thank you, sir. He -- the note came forth four hours after we learned he left. We are good, but we're not that good. Once the note came forth, we started the investigative process to validate that note. And as we moved forward with the validation of that note then we issued a BOL out for him nationwide as the suspect, key suspect in this case and as the case processed, has continued, he has become the person we believe responsible for her death.

HOLMES: OK, there we go. Just wanted to be sure, he was already gone by the time you got that note and that evidence? OK. Well, sir, do you believe that the witness that came forward is in any way involved in this -- in the murder?

BROWN: Sir, I don't comment on what I believe. I comment on what I can prove and that's why we moved immediately yesterday with the evidence and we have tangible and physical evidence that will support me saying what I have already said and I won't say anymore concerning my beliefs.

HOLMES: You're out there looking for at least one suspect. Are you possibly looking into anymore suspects?

BROWN: Again, I cannot comment any further than I have already commented concerning where we go from here. But I do believe today we'll answer one question that your station and other stations have been asking and your viewers asking, what about the 8 1/2 month pregnancy of Marie Lauterbach? I believe that will be revealed today probably as the medical examiner and CSI agents unveil the remains in the backyard of Mr. Lauren's residence.

HOLMES: Well, tell us about the status of that? How long have those remains been removed or how much longer do you expect that work to take today?

BROWN: That process began this morning. It is a very slow meticulous process as every little piece of evidence will be examined nearly to the grain of sand or dirt and I expect it to take to at least noon today. HOLMES: And the district attorney did say on air last night that at the shallow grave, there was some burning involved and that the body might have been burned. Can you tell us about what condition that body is in and how long it might take for a positive ID if in fact the body has been burned?

BROWN: Sir, I can tell you this, we only got a small sample of what that body contained yesterday. I'm talking about a small sample. The DA has given you his statement. I confer that he is right, that there are burning of that sample that we got. However, it was a small sample from that. The rests of the remains in the area in the cavity has not even been disturbed.

HOLMES: All right, sir. And back to the evidence as well, the corroborating evidence that the witness brought forward. That was a note but also you all had determined that there is blood spatter at the home as well. Tell us how that investigation is going and what else possibly you have found at the house and I know last night, as far as being dark, that actually helped you with your investigation last night in determining some of the blood spatter at the home?

BROWN: That is correct. We needed nighttime to do that process. That process did reveal, T.J., that there was violent activity which produced spatter blood as much as up on the ceiling of the house.

HOLMES: As much as up on the ceiling. All right, sir. And should people, I guess give law enforcement a call, call 911, do you consider this suspect dangerous if somebody sees him out there?

BROWN: I would say I would consider him very dangerous at this point if you were to put him in a bind and I would say the law enforcement if you stop him, I would use all precautions.

HOLMES: Well, Sheriff Ed Brown, sir, we appreciate you time on this tragic case that took a tragic turn and sad and a complicated case as well. But sir, we certainly do appreciate you updating us this morning and really updating us for the past couple of days. Good luck on your investigation, thank you so much.

BROWN: Thank you very much, T.J.

NGUYEN: Well, they fought to protect our freedoms but now they are fighting for a new life. We're going to take you live to a job fair just for veterans who have fallen on hard times.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: To get you more news this morning. Here are your quick hits, hiker Meredith Emerson remembered as a lively, friendly and real nature lover.

HOLMES: Yes, about 1,000 mourners turned out for Emerson's memorial in Athens, Georgia. The 24-year-old disappeared during a New Year's day hike. Police say she was kidnapped and killed and decapitated. Her accused killer is also suspected in the deaths of three other people. Also a search for a missing hiker resumes this morning in Alamosa County, Colorado. 20-year-old Ligan Stevens hasn't been seen since Thursday when an avalanche struck the area about 140 miles south of Denver. Steven's brother told authorities he and his sister were back country hiking when the slide happened.

NGUYEN: Well, they fought to protect our freedom but some of these heroes have fallen on hard times. In fact, they are homeless veterans. And an event is getting underway right now in Washington, reaching out to help them.

CNN's Gary Nuremberg is there and joins us live. So, tell us about this event today, Gary.

GARY NURENBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

There's a lot of homeless veterans in the United States and the Veterans Hospital around the country they have events like winter haven here at the Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Job counseling, flu shots, medical care, screening for the homeless vets who have signed up and there has been a great outreach to bring them in.

More than 300 pre-registered today with 600 volunteers to provide services that they would not otherwise get on the streets. Many homeless veterans, among them, Clifford Brinkley, who began serving our country in 1973.

Mr. Brinkley, you have been to this event before. What kind of service does it offer and why do you come here?

CLIFFORD BRINKLEY, HOMELESS VETERAN: The outreach programs, they give you a sleeping bag, things of that nature, jackets. All kinds of nice stuff.

NURENBERG: They have been able to help you with medical issues.

BRINKLEY: Yes, the Veteran's Administration. Yes. They do lots of stuff. I have a post office box in D.C., they send MY medicine there.

NURENBERG: I want you to tell me about that weight loss. I want you to show everybody this belt. He has lost more than 100 pounds through the guidance of the doctors here. Look at this, you started on this notch here. How much weight have you lost?

BRINKLEY: About 89, 90 pounds.

NURENBERG: And the doctors here have helped you with that?

BRINKLEY: I have type two diabetes. If makes you fat if you don't take medicines and you have to watch your weight and I have high blood pressure. And what's the other one?

NURENBERG: A bunch of stuff that they help you with. Mr. Brinkley thanks for your service to our country. Thanks for helping with our story.

BRINKLEY: No problem. Thank you, America.

NURENBERG: Betty, we'll be here throughout the day and let you know about the homeless vets getting services here in Washington. But for now, back to you in Atlanta.

NGUYEN: What a great opportunity. And handing out guns there, not too bad. OK.

Are the presidential candidates neglecting the war and the sacrifices of U.S. troops and their families? That's one of the topics on "THIS WEEK AT WAR." Join Tom Foreman tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 Pacific.

HOLMES: Well, coming up, we're talking about the "r" word. Recession, are we headed there? The presidential candidates are talking about that among other things.

NGUYEN: Yes, but what exactly is a recession and what will it mean for you. Well, don't go away because we do have some insights.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: There is a bailout for beleaguered mortgage lender countrywide. Bank of America announced it is buying Countrywide in a $4 billion stock deal. New York Senator Charles Schumer and Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank are now calling on Countrywide CEO to take a bowled step. They want him to give a portion of his severance pay to charities, helping families out of the mortgage crisis.

Well, how much could that help out? Angelo Mazillo is due to receive a package value at more than $101 million. So it could help.

NGUYEN: Wow. That's a severance package, $101 million.

HOLMES: It's amazing how companies could be doing just terribly, but then the CEO ...

NGUYEN: The folks at top doing all right. OK. All the talk lately about the recession may have you asking are we there yet?

HOLMES: And what should you do to protect yourself if the country goes into a recess. Our personal finance editor Gerri Willis has some advice and some explanation.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: The "r" word has been thrown around a lot this week. You know, recession. So what exactly is a recession and how could it affect you? According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a recession is a broad based economic decline that lasts more than a few months.

Now, this decline should be visible in the G.D.P., the value of goods and services the U.S. produces in any given year. Income, employment, industrial production and wholesale retail sales. Now, declaring a recession is like looking at a rearview mirror. In fact, it can take six to 18 months to declare a recession. Whether or not we're actually in a recession is still being debated.

Here's the good news, recessions have become shorter and milder since 1981. Economists say that's because the federal reserve has been more proactive in preventing problems and given this recent spade of fed cuts, there is some reassurance out there.

So, just what can you do to protect yourself? First and foremost raise your profile at work. In a recession, jobs are the first thing to go. Make sure you boss knows your value. Get on board the best and most high profile projects. Then renew connections. Join sites like link.com or push your professional profile at Ziggs.com. That's a professional networking Web site. And if you can afford it, lock in your mortgage with a 30-year fixed rate loan and make sure you have three to six months worth of living expenses tucked away just in case.

But coming up this morning on "OPEN HOUSE," all this talk about recession, what are the presidential candidates saying about the national economy? Then see how one real estate agent tried to turn her closure academic into a booming business. And saving money on medication. We're paging our very own Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

That's all coming up on "OPEN HOUSE" at 9:30 a.m. Eastern right here on CNN -- T.J., Betty.

NGUYEN: Looking forward to that.

And coming up, the search for safe toys, we are going to take you to a Hong Kong Toy Fair to find out how American executives are trying to push for higher safety standards. But can toy makers in China improve their tainted image?

JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There is a boat chase going on right now and the boat that's doing the chasing is posting visual update online. It's pretty cool. Josh Levs. That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right. Here's what's happening, an interesting high seas drama unfolding right now in the Antarctic. The environmental group, Greenpeace, hot on the trail of some Japanese whale boats.

HOLMES: Yes, those Japanese boats could be looking to break their country's own vow not to hunt one type of endangered whales. Josh Levs, you got the pictures and the story.

LEVS: I do. Here's something I never get to say, intrigue on the high seas. I'm never going to get to say that again.

HOLMES: Don't say that again please.

LEVS: I pulled it off. You guys have no idea.

There is a serious side to this. It's over in the Antarctic. And you know we don't get a lot of news out of there. It's even harder to get news or picture outs of there. On the Web site right now, Greenpeace has posted some pictures of their own hunt. They're hunting these Japanese whaling vessels. They have been up dating that throughout the day.

So you can see where they are. Greenpeace says the ships are planning to illegally hunt endangered whales. And this is some video that we're getting from that ship as well. And you know, it's in Antarctica. We're not going to get much better than that.

Well, earlier we heard from a representative from Greenpeace.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We came across them in the many hours of have been chasing it ever since at high speed across the oceans and we'll continue to do so because whilst their running away from us they're unable to catch whales.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEVS: We've seen Greenpeace chasing town Japanese whalers before. Well, what we did we reached out to the Japanese government and we have this response. I'll share it with you. "The Japanese government joins the Australian government in calling for restraint from Greenpeace.

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