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Breaking News

Skakel Murder Case Will Go to Trial

Aired April 20, 2001 - 12:13   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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Let's check back now with our Deborah Feyerick, who is standing by once again in Stamford, Connecticut. She's been covering the Michael Skakel trial, Skakel being a nephew of the Kennedys'. And we understand that the hearing there has just wrapped up, Deborah reported moments ago. But she's got more breaking news -- Deborah.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Leon. Well, we had told you that Skakel's attorney had several witnesses standing by ready to take the stand. That's basically procedural. He was trying to change the judge's mind. But the judge has now said that right now he does not think that there is enough evidence to overturn what he has decided is probable cause, that Michael Skakel should be tried for murder.

So Skakel's attorney is still arguing, "Please, let me put these people on the stand. I think I can change your mind." But right now, the judge has said these people are not going to take the stand. He's giving him a couple of minutes to kind of gather his thoughts. And the judge is not ruling it out yet, but right now saying, "Look, right now this is going to trial. And I don't think anything that you can put on the stand will make me change my mind," Leon.

HARRIS: All right, thanks much, Deborah Feyerick reporting live from Stamford, Connecticut with that breaking news.

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