Antarctica is alluring and forbidding

Their beady little eyes, squarish torsos and adorable waddling make penguins one of the main attractions for tourists who come to Antarctica. But far from the surface waters where they swim with seals and whales, deep in the oceans and across thousands of miles of frozen continent is another side of Antarctica that is both forbidding and mysterious.
It's in those places that scientists study the rapid melting of icebergs and global warming, look for clues about humanity's past that could help us see the future and even find forms of life that survive and thrive in extremely harsh conditions.
Over two weeks, an Associated Press team traveled to Antarctica with scientists who were looking for hints of pollution, studying rock formations and analyzing the worrisome melting of the ice along the western side of the continent. Along the way, the team encountered awe-inspiring glaciers and jagged craters, a Russian orthodox church that doubles as a beacon of light for incoming ships and even spent several days stranded in a nasty patch of fog, the kind of volatile weather that is practically a staple of any Antarctica visit.
This selection of photos provides a window into to some of the animals, landscapes and unique people who live and work in one of the world's most inhospitable yet important places.

Antarctica is alluring and forbidding

Their beady little eyes, squarish torsos and adorable waddling make penguins one of the main attractions for tourists who come to Antarctica. But far from the surface waters where they swim with seals and whales, deep in the oceans and across thousands of miles of frozen continent is another side of Antarctica that is both forbidding and mysterious.
It's in those places that scientists study the rapid melting of icebergs and global warming, look for clues about humanity's past that could help us see the future and even find forms of life that survive and thrive in extremely harsh conditions.
Over two weeks, an Associated Press team traveled to Antarctica with scientists who were looking for hints of pollution, studying rock formations and analyzing the worrisome melting of the ice along the western side of the continent. Along the way, the team encountered awe-inspiring glaciers and jagged craters, a Russian orthodox church that doubles as a beacon of light for incoming ships and even spent several days stranded in a nasty patch of fog, the kind of volatile weather that is practically a staple of any Antarctica visit.
This selection of photos provides a window into to some of the animals, landscapes and unique people who live and work in one of the world's most inhospitable yet important places.

Italy's top court overturns Amanda Knox conviction

 

 

In a final, stunning ruling, Italy's highest court on Friday overturned the convictions of American Amanda Knox and her former Italian boyfriend in the sensational murder case of Knox's British roommate.

The six judges of the Court of Cassation announced their decision about 10:30 p.m. in Rome (5:30 p.m. ET). They began deliberating at noon after closing arguments by a lawyer for Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's boyfriend when 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was stabbed to death in late 2007.

"I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy," the 27-year-old Knox said in a statement from her home in Seattle. "The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal."

She thanked everyone who supported her. "Your kindness has sustained me."

Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she "was crying because she was so happy" when he called to deliver the news.

Late Friday night, Knox, surrounded by family, delivered another short statement. "You saved my life. ...I'm so grateful to have my life back," she said tearfully.

She went on to describe Kercher as a friend: "She deserved so much in this life. I... I'm the lucky one."

Knox's mother, Edda Mallas, said the family needed "time to digest" the news.

The ruling, which struck down last year's guilty verdicts by a Florence appeals court, brings the eight-year case to a close. The judges concluded that the evidence did not support a conviction, and they declined to order another trial. Their reasoning will be released within 90 days.

Knox and Sollecito had served four years in Italian prisons before a lower court overturned their convictions and set them free in 2011. But the Cassation Court reversed that decision in 2013 and sent the case to the lower Florence court.

Knox had consistently maintained her innocence and did not return to Italy for the final hearing. Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she was "very worried" in the days before the ruling, and vowed to never willingly return to Italy if the conviction was upheld.

USA TODAY

Lawyer for Knox's ex-boyfriend makes final court appeal

Sollecito's lawyer made a final appeal to the court Friday, saying there were "colossal" errors in the Florence appeals court verdict.

In her two-hour argument, Giulia Bongiorno compared Sollecito to Forrest Gump, the naive, dim-witted-but-earnest fictional hero of the book and 1994 movie starring Tom Hanks.

"He is an innocent who became wrapped up in spectacular and gigantic events that, like Forrest Gump, he did not fully realize," she said, saying her client was "was watching cartoons" at home when Kercher was killed.
Amanda Knox was convicted in 2009 for the murder of her housemate, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Umbria, Italy, where they were both students. She served four years of a 26-year sentence before the murder conviction was overturned in October 2011. Now she is working to move on with her life. (Photo: Scott Eklund, Red Box Pictures, for USA TODAY)
 

Italy's top court overturns Amanda Knox conviction

 

 

In a final, stunning ruling, Italy's highest court on Friday overturned the convictions of American Amanda Knox and her former Italian boyfriend in the sensational murder case of Knox's British roommate.

The six judges of the Court of Cassation announced their decision about 10:30 p.m. in Rome (5:30 p.m. ET). They began deliberating at noon after closing arguments by a lawyer for Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's boyfriend when 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was stabbed to death in late 2007.

"I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy," the 27-year-old Knox said in a statement from her home in Seattle. "The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal."

She thanked everyone who supported her. "Your kindness has sustained me."

Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she "was crying because she was so happy" when he called to deliver the news.

Late Friday night, Knox, surrounded by family, delivered another short statement. "You saved my life. ...I'm so grateful to have my life back," she said tearfully.

She went on to describe Kercher as a friend: "She deserved so much in this life. I... I'm the lucky one."

Knox's mother, Edda Mallas, said the family needed "time to digest" the news.

The ruling, which struck down last year's guilty verdicts by a Florence appeals court, brings the eight-year case to a close. The judges concluded that the evidence did not support a conviction, and they declined to order another trial. Their reasoning will be released within 90 days.

Knox and Sollecito had served four years in Italian prisons before a lower court overturned their convictions and set them free in 2011. But the Cassation Court reversed that decision in 2013 and sent the case to the lower Florence court.

Knox had consistently maintained her innocence and did not return to Italy for the final hearing. Her Italian lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said she was "very worried" in the days before the ruling, and vowed to never willingly return to Italy if the conviction was upheld.

USA TODAY

Lawyer for Knox's ex-boyfriend makes final court appeal

Sollecito's lawyer made a final appeal to the court Friday, saying there were "colossal" errors in the Florence appeals court verdict.

In her two-hour argument, Giulia Bongiorno compared Sollecito to Forrest Gump, the naive, dim-witted-but-earnest fictional hero of the book and 1994 movie starring Tom Hanks.

"He is an innocent who became wrapped up in spectacular and gigantic events that, like Forrest Gump, he did not fully realize," she said, saying her client was "was watching cartoons" at home when Kercher was killed.
Amanda Knox was convicted in 2009 for the murder of her housemate, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Umbria, Italy, where they were both students. She served four years of a 26-year sentence before the murder conviction was overturned in October 2011. Now she is working to move on with her life. (Photo: Scott Eklund, Red Box Pictures, for USA TODAY)
 

FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions

 FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions

The biggest wrestling event of the year is just three days away. WrestleMania 31 kicks off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium, and you can watch on the WWE Network. Before the show, USA TODAY Sports wrestling aficionados Josh Barnett and Nick Schwartz analyzed the card and picked winners for all nine matches.

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos

Fatal four-way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images

Simon Hofmann/Getty Images

Barnett: Love tag team wrestling but there might be too many bodies in here when you count the eight in the ring, the third member of the New Day, Natalya and El Torito. Kidd and Cesaro keep the belts in what could be a fun bout.

Schwartz: I’m expecting lots of high-flying spots and constant fighting outside of the ring. I’d like to see the Usos regain the tag titles, but given that they were the champions for the majority of the last year and The New Day has been more or less a flop, it seems more likely that Kidd and Cesaro stay in the spotlight.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale

Barnett: This seems like a spot for Sheamus to make his return and win. WWE has promoted that he is returning longer than I expected. I think this is where we also see the breaking point between The Miz and Damien Mizdow with The Miz ordering his former bodyguard to jump over the top rope and Mizdow refusing. Bigger question is whether the trophy makes it unscathed past Monday’s RAW. Sports entertainment and trophies rarely have a happy ending.

Schwartz: I’m hoping this is the year that the Battle Royale title will actually mean something for the winner in the long run, as Cesaro won the inaugural match at WrestleMania XXX but never did anything with the momentum. I think the WWE cashes in on an opportunity to give the fans what they want here and have Damien Mizdow eliminate The Miz to win, and move on to join the Intercontinental title picture.
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins

Barnett: If WWE really wants to #GiveDivasAChance, here it is. Nikki Bella has taken on an aggressive style and improved immensely since holding the Divas title. The obvious angle is whether the “frenemies” can work together. I think another round between the top two workers in the Divas division seems like the way to go. Bellas get the win, but a split between A.J. and Paige is the story going forward.

Schwartz: AJ Lee won the only Divas match at WM last year in 6:48. I’m expecting the WWE to listen to the fans and give this match at least 10 minutes. In a perfect world, AJ Lee and Paige win on Sunday but turn on each other after the match is over, setting up a triple threat match with Nikki Bella for the Divas title on Raw the next night.
John Cena vs. Rusev

For the WWE United States championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Barnett: WWE has smartly found a way to get people — or half the people — to stop booing Cena. Hating on Cena here would be going against America and apple pie. Putting Cena in the U.S. title match provides the title instant luster and having him win it would mean even more. Rusev loses the belt but it also opens up a chance for him to do some other things. Where Lana fits in here could be interesting too. I’ve liked the build for this match.

Schwartz: It seems strange that Cena, still undoubtedly the most popular wrestler in the business, is in the running for what is the third-biggest title — but giving Cena the U.S. belt both elevates the championship and gives the WWE a chance to turn U.S. title bouts into highly anticipated pay-per-view highlights each month. Cena doesn’t need the heavyweight title to be relevant, so why not have him prop up a lesser division? Rusev is amazing, and he can be more than just the United States champion.
Seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Barnett: I am hoping we are going back to the day when the Intercontinental title is the belt held by the guy who consistently put on the best match every night. (Full disclosure: My favorite WrestleMania match of all time is Ricky Steamboat-Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title at WM3.) I think there will be tons of cool spots in this match and could open the main show. I see another “Yes-tleMania” moment and Daniel Bryan taking home the belt.

Schwartz: If WWE wants to give fans instant gratification, Bryan should win — but having him hold a title would keep Bryan out of the picture for the WWE World Heavyweight title, and there’s already a logjam of wrestlers below main event status. I think it may be wiser if Dean Ambrose or Dolph Ziggler — tremendous talents who aren’t yet ready to be the top guy in the company — take the Intercontinental belt while Bryan goes on to challenge the likes of Lesnar/Orton/Rollins. Ziggler‘s my pick.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Barnett: This match could steal the show if the match actually happens. Among J&J Security, Big Show, Kane and whomever else ends up around the ring, the action could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame. This is the type of match I’d want to see more than once. Figure on a funky finish (Orton by disqualification) and a rematch at Extreme Rules next month.

Schwartz: Rollins and Orton could turn in one of the best matches of the card and I hope they get enough time in the ring to really put on a show. I like Orton to win this match, mostly because I’ve got a hunch that Rollins could be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase later in the show (there’s only a few months until the next MITB pay-per-view, so it has to happen sooner or later).
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Courtesy of WWE

Courtesy of WWE

Barnett: Hopefully, this one goes on late on the West Coast so the cool effects of each entrance happen in the dark. The Undertaker wouldn’t be back unless he was sure that he could put on an Undertaker quality match. It doesn’t even matter if Wyatt wins here — The Undertaker’s WrestleMania record is littered with guys who were greats or would go on to be greats. Being in the ring on this stage with the Dead Man makes Wyatt a winner in the long run even if The Undertaker gets his hand raised.

Schwartz: I never thought The Undertaker would be back in the ring after losing to Lesnar (it was a perfect way to go out!), and I’m still a little stunned this is actually happening. That being said, there’s no way The Undertaker loses twice in a row, if only because Wyatt wouldn’t get the same boost from the win that Lesnar did. I just hope the quality of the match is equal to what will undoubtedly be jaw-dropping entrances.
​Sting vs. Triple H

Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 5.55.36 PM
Barnett: Would it be best for business if the guy running the show behind the scenes beat Sting in his WWE in-ring debut? At 57, not sure how much Sting has left but he looks in great shape and Triple H is always in great shape despite the long layoff. I am not sure they end this after one bout. I figure an unsatisfying victory for Sting by DQ. Could you see a bat vs. sledgehammer match in the future?

Schwartz: Triple H doesn’t have much to gain by beating Sting, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume that Sting wins a match that includes at least six Pedigrees and Scorpion Death Drops. After the bell, The Game uses a sledgehammer on Sting to keep the feud running, perhaps for a rematch at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns

For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE

Courtesy of WWE

Barnett: The dynamic changes now that Lesnar has announced he is going to stick with WWE. I have seen scenarios that suggest Reigns turns heel and leaves with Paul Heyman and others where Lesnar remains Lesnar. No point in making this a Lesnar squash in the long run. This will be a great match. Seth Rollins plays into this somehow, even if he doesn’t cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. WrestleMania needs to end with a clean finish and I think Lesnar retains.

Schwartz: After putting Reigns through approximately 10 F5’s, Lesnar keeps his title in a brutal match — but after the confetti settles at Levi’s Stadium, Seth Rollins sprints down the ramp, cashes in his briefcase and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Best match of the show:

Barnett: If the outside the ring stuff is held to a minimum, Rollins-Orton could be a great bout with two guys who know how to tell a story and aren’t afraid to take chances.

Schwartz: I have high hopes for Sting vs. Triple H, but the match people are going to be buzzing about Monday is the seven-man ladder match. Ladder matches never disappoint at WrestleMania.
Worst match of the show:

Barnett: Would be easy to say the Divas match, but it’s WrestleMania, there shouldn’t be any stinkers here. I think the tag team bout could be in danger of falling into below expectations territory if it doesn’t get any sort of flow going.

Schwartz: Before Lesnar announced he’s staying, I was worried that the main event was going to be a dud, but everything changed when Lesnar went on SportsCenter. I’m keeping my expectations in check for the Battle Royale.
Best entrance:

Barnett: WWE is going to go all out for Sting‘s wrestling debut.

Schwartz: If you only watch 10 minutes of the WWE all year long, it should be to see The Undertaker‘s entrance at WrestleMania. It’s worth the 9.99 by itself.

FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions

 FTW's infallible WrestleMania 31 predictions

The biggest wrestling event of the year is just three days away. WrestleMania 31 kicks off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium, and you can watch on the WWE Network. Before the show, USA TODAY Sports wrestling aficionados Josh Barnett and Nick Schwartz analyzed the card and picked winners for all nine matches.

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos

Fatal four-way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images

Simon Hofmann/Getty Images

Barnett: Love tag team wrestling but there might be too many bodies in here when you count the eight in the ring, the third member of the New Day, Natalya and El Torito. Kidd and Cesaro keep the belts in what could be a fun bout.

Schwartz: I’m expecting lots of high-flying spots and constant fighting outside of the ring. I’d like to see the Usos regain the tag titles, but given that they were the champions for the majority of the last year and The New Day has been more or less a flop, it seems more likely that Kidd and Cesaro stay in the spotlight.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale

Barnett: This seems like a spot for Sheamus to make his return and win. WWE has promoted that he is returning longer than I expected. I think this is where we also see the breaking point between The Miz and Damien Mizdow with The Miz ordering his former bodyguard to jump over the top rope and Mizdow refusing. Bigger question is whether the trophy makes it unscathed past Monday’s RAW. Sports entertainment and trophies rarely have a happy ending.

Schwartz: I’m hoping this is the year that the Battle Royale title will actually mean something for the winner in the long run, as Cesaro won the inaugural match at WrestleMania XXX but never did anything with the momentum. I think the WWE cashes in on an opportunity to give the fans what they want here and have Damien Mizdow eliminate The Miz to win, and move on to join the Intercontinental title picture.
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins

Barnett: If WWE really wants to #GiveDivasAChance, here it is. Nikki Bella has taken on an aggressive style and improved immensely since holding the Divas title. The obvious angle is whether the “frenemies” can work together. I think another round between the top two workers in the Divas division seems like the way to go. Bellas get the win, but a split between A.J. and Paige is the story going forward.

Schwartz: AJ Lee won the only Divas match at WM last year in 6:48. I’m expecting the WWE to listen to the fans and give this match at least 10 minutes. In a perfect world, AJ Lee and Paige win on Sunday but turn on each other after the match is over, setting up a triple threat match with Nikki Bella for the Divas title on Raw the next night.
John Cena vs. Rusev

For the WWE United States championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Barnett: WWE has smartly found a way to get people — or half the people — to stop booing Cena. Hating on Cena here would be going against America and apple pie. Putting Cena in the U.S. title match provides the title instant luster and having him win it would mean even more. Rusev loses the belt but it also opens up a chance for him to do some other things. Where Lana fits in here could be interesting too. I’ve liked the build for this match.

Schwartz: It seems strange that Cena, still undoubtedly the most popular wrestler in the business, is in the running for what is the third-biggest title — but giving Cena the U.S. belt both elevates the championship and gives the WWE a chance to turn U.S. title bouts into highly anticipated pay-per-view highlights each month. Cena doesn’t need the heavyweight title to be relevant, so why not have him prop up a lesser division? Rusev is amazing, and he can be more than just the United States champion.
Seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship
Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Jonathan Bachman/AP Images

Barnett: I am hoping we are going back to the day when the Intercontinental title is the belt held by the guy who consistently put on the best match every night. (Full disclosure: My favorite WrestleMania match of all time is Ricky Steamboat-Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title at WM3.) I think there will be tons of cool spots in this match and could open the main show. I see another “Yes-tleMania” moment and Daniel Bryan taking home the belt.

Schwartz: If WWE wants to give fans instant gratification, Bryan should win — but having him hold a title would keep Bryan out of the picture for the WWE World Heavyweight title, and there’s already a logjam of wrestlers below main event status. I think it may be wiser if Dean Ambrose or Dolph Ziggler — tremendous talents who aren’t yet ready to be the top guy in the company — take the Intercontinental belt while Bryan goes on to challenge the likes of Lesnar/Orton/Rollins. Ziggler‘s my pick.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Barnett: This match could steal the show if the match actually happens. Among J&J Security, Big Show, Kane and whomever else ends up around the ring, the action could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame. This is the type of match I’d want to see more than once. Figure on a funky finish (Orton by disqualification) and a rematch at Extreme Rules next month.

Schwartz: Rollins and Orton could turn in one of the best matches of the card and I hope they get enough time in the ring to really put on a show. I like Orton to win this match, mostly because I’ve got a hunch that Rollins could be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase later in the show (there’s only a few months until the next MITB pay-per-view, so it has to happen sooner or later).
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Courtesy of WWE

Courtesy of WWE

Barnett: Hopefully, this one goes on late on the West Coast so the cool effects of each entrance happen in the dark. The Undertaker wouldn’t be back unless he was sure that he could put on an Undertaker quality match. It doesn’t even matter if Wyatt wins here — The Undertaker’s WrestleMania record is littered with guys who were greats or would go on to be greats. Being in the ring on this stage with the Dead Man makes Wyatt a winner in the long run even if The Undertaker gets his hand raised.

Schwartz: I never thought The Undertaker would be back in the ring after losing to Lesnar (it was a perfect way to go out!), and I’m still a little stunned this is actually happening. That being said, there’s no way The Undertaker loses twice in a row, if only because Wyatt wouldn’t get the same boost from the win that Lesnar did. I just hope the quality of the match is equal to what will undoubtedly be jaw-dropping entrances.
​Sting vs. Triple H

Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 5.55.36 PM
Barnett: Would it be best for business if the guy running the show behind the scenes beat Sting in his WWE in-ring debut? At 57, not sure how much Sting has left but he looks in great shape and Triple H is always in great shape despite the long layoff. I am not sure they end this after one bout. I figure an unsatisfying victory for Sting by DQ. Could you see a bat vs. sledgehammer match in the future?

Schwartz: Triple H doesn’t have much to gain by beating Sting, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume that Sting wins a match that includes at least six Pedigrees and Scorpion Death Drops. After the bell, The Game uses a sledgehammer on Sting to keep the feud running, perhaps for a rematch at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns

For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE

Courtesy of WWE

Barnett: The dynamic changes now that Lesnar has announced he is going to stick with WWE. I have seen scenarios that suggest Reigns turns heel and leaves with Paul Heyman and others where Lesnar remains Lesnar. No point in making this a Lesnar squash in the long run. This will be a great match. Seth Rollins plays into this somehow, even if he doesn’t cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. WrestleMania needs to end with a clean finish and I think Lesnar retains.

Schwartz: After putting Reigns through approximately 10 F5’s, Lesnar keeps his title in a brutal match — but after the confetti settles at Levi’s Stadium, Seth Rollins sprints down the ramp, cashes in his briefcase and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Best match of the show:

Barnett: If the outside the ring stuff is held to a minimum, Rollins-Orton could be a great bout with two guys who know how to tell a story and aren’t afraid to take chances.

Schwartz: I have high hopes for Sting vs. Triple H, but the match people are going to be buzzing about Monday is the seven-man ladder match. Ladder matches never disappoint at WrestleMania.
Worst match of the show:

Barnett: Would be easy to say the Divas match, but it’s WrestleMania, there shouldn’t be any stinkers here. I think the tag team bout could be in danger of falling into below expectations territory if it doesn’t get any sort of flow going.

Schwartz: Before Lesnar announced he’s staying, I was worried that the main event was going to be a dud, but everything changed when Lesnar went on SportsCenter. I’m keeping my expectations in check for the Battle Royale.
Best entrance:

Barnett: WWE is going to go all out for Sting‘s wrestling debut.

Schwartz: If you only watch 10 minutes of the WWE all year long, it should be to see The Undertaker‘s entrance at WrestleMania. It’s worth the 9.99 by itself.

Prosecutor: Passengers shrieked as jet crashed into Alps

The co-pilot of the Germanwings flight that crashed in the French Alps deliberately worked to destroy the plane while passengers shrieked in terror and the pilot pounded on the cockpit door, a French prosecutor said at a news conference Thursday in Marseille.
"This was voluntary, this was deliberate," Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin said. "He refused to open the cabin door in order to let the pilot back in. I repeat. He refused to let the pilot back in. He is the one who pressed the button that allowed the plane to begin descending and lose altitude."
The information was obtained from the cockpit voice recorder of doomed Flight 9525, which suddenly began an eight-minute descent before smashing into a rugged ravine in the French Alps on Tuesday. The data recorder for the flight from Barcelona bound for Düsseldorf, Germany, has not yet been found.
Robin said the co-pilot, identified as German national Andreas Lubitz, 27, was not on a terror watch list. A federal law enforcement official told USA TODAY the FBI has been running the flight manifests through its databases but so far has found no connection to terrorism.
Lubitz said nothing during the descent, but could be heard breathing until the crash, Robin said.
"The co-pilot is the only one in the cockpit,' Robin said. "While he is alone he somehow manipulated the buttons on the flight monitoring system. He was alone at the helm of this Airbus."

Robin stressed the actions were deliberate. He said passengers could be heard screaming in fear.
"We start hearing banging, someone actually trying to break the door down," Robin said. "That's why the alarms were let off — because these were protocols that were put in place in case of any terror attack."
Robin said the plane apparently glided until it crashed into the ravine, a sound heard on the voice recorder.
"Again, no distress signal, zero, no 'help me' or SOS," he said. "Nothing of this sort was received by air-traffic control."
Robin said the voice recorder indicated dialogue between the pilot and co-pilot was normal. Robin said informed the families of the developments and that they were in shock.


German, French and Spanish authorities are investigating the crash. The FBI issued a statement saying it was offering to help French officials leading the investigation.
German carrier Lufthansa, which owns the low-cost airline, offered special flights from Barcelona and Düsseldorf to Marseille, so that those close to the victims can be near the scene of the search and recovery efforts in the French Alps.
"We are shaken by the upsetting statements of the French authorities. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends of the victims," Lufthansa tweeted.
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said he was left "speechless" by Robin's horrifying description of events, but said evidence thus far supports them.
"This action on the altitude controls can only be deliberate," Spohr said. "The most plausible interpretation is that the co-pilot, through a voluntary act, refused to open the cabin door to let the captain in. He pushed the button to trigger the aircraft to lose altitude.
"He operated this button for a reason we don't know yet, but it appears that the reason was to destroy this plane."

U.S. cockpit regulations don't allow a pilot to be left alone in a cockpit. The Air Line Pilots Association issued a statement saying U.S. airline procedures are "designed to ensure that there is never a situation where a pilot is left alone in the cockpit."
Lufthansa said Lubitz joined Germanwings in September 2013, directly after training, and had flown 630 hours. Spohr said the co-pilot began training in Bremen, Germany, in 2008 and later trained in Arizona.
Spohr said there was a brief interruption in training in 2009 but that he had completed qualifications for the job. German media outlets quoted classmates as saying Lubitz interrupted his training due to "burnout" and "depression."
Lubitz was included in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's database of certified pilots.
"He passed all medical tests, he passed all aviation tests, he passed all checks," Spohr said. "He was 100% able to fly without any limitations, without any reservations. His accomplishments were excellent. Nothing was noticed that wasn't proper."
Spohr said there were no indications that the co-pilot was dealing with a terrorist incident in the cockpit.
"We are speechless at Lufthansa and Germanwings," Spohr said. "We are shocked."
Officials have not identified the pilot, but multiple media outlets have identified him as Patrick Sonderheimer. He had more than 6,000 hours of flying time and had been Germanwings pilot since May 2014, having previously flown for Lufthansa and Condor. Robin said Sonderheimer's family is in France and would be interviewed by investigators.

All 150 passengers and crew aboard the flight killed, including three Americans. Two were identified as Yvonne Selke, a contract worker for Booz Allen Hamilton, and her daughter, Emily Selke, a 2013 graduate of Drexel University, both from Nokesville, Va. The third victim was identified as Robert Calvo, a father of two who worked for a Barcelona-based clothing company.
Among victims confirmed by the airline were 72 Germans and 35 Spaniards. There were two victims each from Australia, Argentina, Iran and Venezuela. One each came from Britain, the Netherlands, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, Denmark, Belgium and Israel.
A moment of silence was held Thursday at Joseph-Koenig High School in Haltern Am See in west Germany, which lost 16 10th-graders and two teachers in the crash.