21.   There was no confirmation that the dead kidnapper had the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

22.   Yet the threat of a violent end to the standoff still hangs over the house, where the kidnappers have stacks of weapons.

23.   Police are particularly alarmed about the fate of Babovic, whose kidnappers had by this week made no move.

24.   The families maintained the kidnappers had no intention of killing their hostage and that he died in the battle with the soldiers.