Disappearance Of Susan Powell

**jvaughn74** · December 10th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Searched and searched to see if this one was posted yet but couldnt find it..apologize if i missed it!

The case of a missing West Valley City woman is taking on "suspicious" overtones as clues to her whereabouts remained few five days after her disappearance, police say.

Susan Powell, 28, was last seen Sunday at her home and was reported missing by her relatives the next day. Early Wednesday evening, detectives served a search warrant on the home and removed several unspecified items, West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan said Thursday.

"It's still officially a missing person case, but it has become suspicious. The suspicious nature of this is that no one can tell us, or is [willing to tell] us her whereabouts, and she has not contacted us or anyone else we know about," he said.

McLachlan said it was too early in the investigation to identify specific suspicions of any possible wrongdoing or determine if anyone is a suspect or person of interest in the case.

"Her home was the last place she was seen, so we served the [search] warrant to see if there was anything there that would shed any light," he said. "[Detectives] will be going over the items [seized in the search] today and should know soon what, if anything, they may have."

McLachlan said Susan and Joshua Powell and their two children were initially reported missing by Susan Powell's parents. Checks with the couple's employers also determined that neither Susan nor Joshua Powell went to work Monday.

However, Joshua Powell and his 4- and 1-year-old children returned to their home Tuesday, McLachlan said. Investigators have interviewed both Joshua Powell and the oldest child, but police would not discuss the content of those sessions.

However, police reportedly were checking out a purported camping trip the family may have taken. Further details on that matter were not immediately available.

Susan Powell, who is described as 5-foot-4, 130 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, was last seen at 10 p.m. Sunday at her home on Sarah Circle.

Anyone with information should call West Valley City Police at 801-840-4000.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13967860

Sounds like hubby might know something...

**Rhoni** · December 10th, 2009, 04:32 PM

Don't these husbands read news? What makes someone think they can get away with this?

**Pete Bondurant** · December 10th, 2009, 05:17 PM

Anyone who takes the life of a white woman of child-bearing age should suffer the harshest penalty.

**Silvahalo** · December 10th, 2009, 06:31 PM

I think he knows more. This is awful, two children no more mama. Life can be really unfair.

I'm hoping she's not dead.

**drkeegee** · December 10th, 2009, 08:30 PM

(Captain) McLachlan said it was too early in the investigation to identify specific suspicions of any possible wrongdoing or determine if anyone is a suspect or person of interest in the case.

Translation:
It's obvious even to the most casual observer the husband is a murdering POS.

Checks with the couple's employers also determined that neither Susan nor Joshua Powell went to work Monday.

Translation: Joshua, you da man! (in a bad sort of way)

However, police reportedly were checking out a purported camping trip the family may have taken.

Translation: Looking for a freshly dug grave.

RIP Susan - condolences to the kids

**TheMeaningOfItAll** · December 10th, 2009, 09:04 PM

I'm hoping those poor kiddos didn't see/hear what happened and led up to their mother's "disappearance". *shakes head* I wish people would just divorce instead of murdering each other.

**Aslan** · December 10th, 2009, 09:11 PM

McLachlan said Susan and Joshua Powell and their two children were initially reported missing by Susan Powell's parents.

That's what jumps out at me. I agree that no good will probably come of this. That he did something and started to run with the kids but thought better of it.

**Misskittychaos** · December 11th, 2009, 02:39 AM

I'm curious what BS story he'll try and feed the police? He can't go with she walked off (Scott Peterson) b/c he claimed they went camping.

I sincerely hope those kids didn't have to watch something horrible happen to their mom

**everhopeful** · December 11th, 2009, 03:43 AM

Originally Posted by Pete Bondurant

Anyone who takes the life of a white woman of child-bearing age should suffer the harshest penalty.

Okay, I get that everyone loves Pete and that I misunderstood (?) his role in the forum in my early altercation (of sorts) with him over a comment he made on another story, but why is this post thanks-worthy? I'm not taking issue with his post, please don't misunderstand me, because I'm willing to accept the commonly given explanation "That's just Pete" but seriously, I expected better from you guys.

Really? Really.

This is a tragedy in the making- AT BEST she is a mother who has abandoned her family without a word. Why give kudos to a statement that devalues life in this way? I would love to hear from any of you, personally or otherwise.

**Adorkable** · December 11th, 2009, 08:47 AM

My guess is the "Thanks" are for the chuckles that Pete brings rather than the message itself. When we're reading such serious sickening things all the time, the sudden outburst of laughter over a ridiculous and unexpected joke deserves a thanks.

just my thoughts

**jenthgr8** · December 11th, 2009, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by everhopeful

Okay, I get that everyone loves Pete and that I misunderstood (?) his role in the forum in my early altercation (of sorts) with him over a comment he made on another story, but why is this post thanks-worthy? I'm not taking issue with his post, please don't misunderstand me, because I'm willing to accept the commonly given explanation "That's just Pete" but seriously, I expected better from you guys.

Really? Really.

This is a tragedy in the making- AT BEST she is a mother who has abandoned her family without a word. Why give kudos to a statement that devalues life in this way? I would love to hear from any of you, personally or otherwise.

I think he's hilarious, in an irreverent, shocking way. I never ever even once thought he was seriously meaning the bullshit he spews. Sometimes, you either have to laugh or you're gonna cry. I don't think Pete, or anyone who thanks him, feels any less horrified or saddened by what may have happened to this woman. Life is a terrible, serious thing. Sometimes all you can do is laugh in the face of it.

**jvaughn74** · December 11th, 2009, 12:34 PM

Joshua Powell said he decided Sunday night to take the children on a late-night camping trip.

"Lots of times I just go camping with my boys," Powell told a local CBS News' affiliate. "Just overnight. We do s'mores and stuff."

So sounds like he is saying he took the kids camping alone..no mention of Susan going...AND there was a snowstorm going on...

Police said neither Susan nor Joshua Powell called into work Monday to explain their absences. The husband later said he had been confused about what day it was, according to a CBS News report.

Confused about the day...ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

There are no reports of domestic violence, but, Cox said, the couple had marital problems and were trying to work them out.

"They have had issues in the past … but they had been talking to each other and, according to my daughter, things were getting better," Cox said.

So I wonder if this is another one of those..the husband didnt want to lose his kids so he killed the wife???

This has to be frustrating for the police...this guy is so obviously guilty...but I know the investigators have to toe the line carefully so they do not mess anything up so when it comes time they can convict this POS! Sounds like these kids have some caring grandparents that can look after them when this husband goes to jail!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/mystery-su...9307164&page=1

**jvaughn74** · December 11th, 2009, 12:38 PM

Another link..this one states that police found her purse, cell phone, car keys and car at the house and that hubby was the last person to see her alive.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/...n5966103.shtml

He left at 12:30am Sunday night to take the kids camping???? Are you kidding me?? This article talks about his total lack of care for the fact his wife is missing..

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,580001,00.html

**everhopeful** · December 11th, 2009, 03:35 PM

That makes sense to me, thank you for the sincerity of the responses to my outburst. I apologize for finger-wagging and will try not to do that in the future.

I think the husband's story is completely fishy. And by 'fishy' I mean 'bullshit'.

**koochie** · December 11th, 2009, 03:46 PM

i cant imagine a 1 yr old enjoying "smores and stuff" this guy is so full of shit....

**Nell** · December 11th, 2009, 03:54 PM

I don't think any mother would let her very young children go camping without her in December. That is fucking ridiculous. These boys aren't teenagers. If he didn't kill her i will be shocked as fuck.

By the way it was about 5 degrees in Utah that night. Yeah, he went camping.

**crickett** · December 12th, 2009, 10:50 PM

Courtesy of YAHOO News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091213/...ssing_mom_utah

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Friends and family of a 28-year-old mother who disappeared nearly a week ago are fasting and praying for her safe return as volunteers post thousands of fliers with her image on it.

Susan Powell was reported missing Monday under what police are calling suspicious circumstances. A prayer service attended by about 100 people was held for her Saturday in West Valley City.

Since she was reported missing, authorities have questioned her husband and searched a desert area where he said he took the couple's two young children, ages 2 and 4, camping early Monday morning in freezing conditions.

Josh Powell returned Monday night, after police had already received a call from relatives who had not heard from the Powell family.

He declined to answer questions from The Associated Press on Saturday.

"I can't say anything," he said following the prayer service.

Meanwhile, Susan Powell's father, Charles Cox, flew in from Puyallup, Wash., south of Seattle, on Friday to aid in the search. He spent Saturday morning granting dozens of interviews to media outlets around the country in an effort to keep his daughter's name and picture in the news.

While Cox and Josh Powell shared a brief hug before the prayer service began, Cox said the only conversation he's had with him since his daughter was reported missing was on Tuesday.

Cox didn't attend a news conference Saturday organized by Josh Powell's brother-in-law, Kirk Graves, in which Graves said Josh Powell's side of the family is still hopeful Susan will come home. Cox said he's concerned too much attention is being placed on Josh Powell.

"I'm kind of concerned that all the focus is on him at the present. I mean he's told his story — believable or not — and I don't see him as capable of harming her," Cox said. "And the more time spent on him, the less time there is looking at other possibilities."

About 30 detectives have been assigned to find out what happened to Susan Powell. West Valley City Police Capt. Tom McLachlan says police haven't been able to verify Josh Powell's story because snow had covered the spot along The Pony Express Trail where he said he took the children.

Complicating the search for Susan Powell, McLachlan said police don't have a description of the clothing she was wearing when Josh Powell last saw her about 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Susan Powell's friend, Kiirsi Hellewell, said she saw her Sunday afternoon walking home from church, which Josh Powell did not attend.

JoVonna Owings said she had dinner with the couple and their children around 4 p.m. and that Susan Powell was wearing a long-sleeve black shirt and black pants.

Hellewell described her friend as a "girly girl" who liked to get dressed up when she went out with friends and make blankets for friends at church.

While Hellewell described the couple as spontaneous, she said the winter camping trip seemed out-of-character.

"They might go camping, but they would not do it in the winter, they would not do it in the middle of night and they wouldn't do it when they were expected at work the next day," she said.

OH YEAH....I ALWAYS go camping from 12 midnight to 10 am in 5 degree weather. Dragged the kids out ALL the time to do this when they were still in diapers. They really enjoyed it.

**Aslan** · December 12th, 2009, 11:55 PM

From what I hear fasting doesn't work as well as walking.
As in with flashlights and dogs.
Find her people! Yeah it's 99% that we all know how this movie will end but give her parents some peace

**Dakota Valkyrie** · December 13th, 2009, 12:12 AM

[...]
Powell's husband, Josh, and their 2- and 4-year-old sons were at the service. Afterwards, Josh Powell didn't want to say a word or answer a question about his missing wife, but his brother-in-law did.

"We continue to hope she will be returned to us safely," said Kirk Graves.

With Josh standing next to him, Graves thanked the West Valley City Police Department, family, friends and complete strangers for helping them. He also said all the speculation about Josh somehow being involved in his wife's disappearance is upsetting.

"I think it's pointless. I think maybe worse than pointless. I think it's destructive and damaging to what's going on," said Graves. "There has been so much speculation that we just need to put it to rest."

Some of that speculation comes from Josh's story he told to investigators. He claims he took his young sons camping in the freezing cold of the West Desert on the night Susan disappeared from their West Valley home.

Graves said he understands how some could look at that story, but says his brother-in-law is just as hurt as anyone about his wife's disappearance. "I can tell you the pain he feels is real. I could feel it," said Graves.
[...]

As for the Powell children, the family said they're doing their best to keep them occupied and to shelter them from the situation. "Kids are very intuitive. You can see the stress," said Graves.

Investigators searched the Simpson Springs area of the West Desert Friday. Simpson Springs is a location off the Pony Express Trail where Josh Powell told police he went camping. Investigators didn't find anything, and a spokesperson with the West Valley Police Department said there are no updates.

When asked if Josh Powell had been to the scene to help police, Graves said he didn't know. Even with Powell standing next to him, Graves said there are some things his brother-in-law doesn't want to talk about.

"Josh is just here mostly to let everybody know that he's here and that he cares," said Graves. "What little detail facts I have, the police have asked us to not be open with them, to kind of keep quiet on what little we know that isn't well published. Our next step is to make sure everybody stays focused on Susan."
[...]

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=9011381

Powell's brother-in-law gets a little testy, as he is asked why Josh could not speak up for himself. Graves said,” We are into one of those questions that we don't feel comfortable answering. In fact I probably need to cut off the interview if we continue in that direction.”
[...]

Graves said,” The amount of speculation has been amazing. And most of it has tried to portray Josh in a negative light. There is every possibility that Susan is no longer in the state of Utah.”

And why has Josh only talked with his father-in law once since Susan went missing? Graves said,” I don't have an answer for you.” What kind of marriage did Josh and Susan have? Graves said,” Josh and Susan's relationship has been very well recently. They ugh, I'll stop there”

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/slc...HSDG2YxgQ.cspx

Weird.

**Aslan** · December 13th, 2009, 12:18 AM

if by 'weird' you mean 'husband killed her'
I agree

**MC30** · December 13th, 2009, 12:31 AM

blahsucksucksucks

Powell's brother-in-law gets a little testy, as he is asked why Josh could not speak up for himself. Graves said,” We are into one of those questions that we don't feel comfortable answering. In fact I probably need to cut off the interview if we continue in that direction.”
[...]

Graves said,” The amount of speculation has been amazing. And most of it has tried to portray Josh in a negative light. There is every possibility that Susan is no longer in the state of Utah.”

And why has Josh only talked with his father-in law once since Susan went missing? Graves said,” I don't have an answer for you.” What kind of marriage did Josh and Susan have? Graves said,” Josh and Susan's relationship has been very well recently. They ugh, I'll stop there”

blah.

**Aslan** · December 13th, 2009, 12:43 AM

we don't feel comfortable answering

Someone I love goes missing? Ask away.
Hell I'll even tell you about the time I cheated in first grade on a coloring contest. My purple broke. Whatever.
Point is, GUILTY

**Whisper** · December 13th, 2009, 01:13 AM

B/C Pete is Pete who tries to hide the fact hes got a heart!! When I first came here and read his posts I thought jackass!!But hes not and after you read and see his posts you also will see why its hard to explain and the only way to do is to say "Pete is Pete" and we love him .

**myra manes** · December 13th, 2009, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by Nell

I don't think any mother would let her very young children go camping without her in December. That is fucking ridiculous. These boys aren't teenagers. If he didn't kill her i will be shocked as fuck.

By the way it was about 5 degrees in Utah that night. Yeah, he went camping.

That's what I thought when I read it ..
Pure Bullshit ..

Camping?
In December???
Riiiiiiiiiiight ..

**everhopeful** · December 13th, 2009, 01:48 AM

I think her family is trying to support him because they're hoping he'll let something slip. I'd be shocked if they honestly think that his story is the truth and that he's incapable of harming her, but maybe if he starts to feel comfortable with them...

**Aslan** · December 13th, 2009, 02:05 AM

If it were my family I'm pretty sure the only thing that would be slipping by now would be his body into the Atlantic.
Then again we aren't known for our patience.

If someone had any knowledge as to where my child/sister is, I would give them 5 minutes max.

**Whisper** · December 13th, 2009, 02:08 AM

Family always supports at first until it sets in and then they see cracks.Laci Petersons family went on tv devoting all their faith to Scott and supporting him .UNTIL The affair came out.His time will come soon where they will begin to see clinks in his armor.

**Nell** · December 13th, 2009, 02:19 PM

If i was the family I would be freaking out right now. He still has those boys in his custody. What if he sees the walls closing in, jail coming, the end of it all and kills them too?

**jvaughn74** · December 13th, 2009, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Nell

If i was the family I would be freaking out right now. He still has those boys in his custody. What if he sees the walls closing in, jail coming, the end of it all and kills them too?

I was thinking the same thing. I dont like it that he has those kids. I am sure it is very frustrating for the investigators that they cannot just take him into custody, but without sufficient evidence they can mess up the entire case, as well as make it even more dangerous for the kids. I hope family is sticking close to the husband and the kids. I read in one article that the husband and kids are staying with an aunt of the kids. Pray for these babies!

**vipjohnson** · December 13th, 2009, 04:43 PM

http://www.joshpowellrealtor.com/
Sure does look like the same guy. I don't know many realtors who would take off for a spur-of-the-moment camping trip (in freezing weather, might I add) during this crappy real estate market. Anybody could be calling for a showing.

Also, IF Josh Powell is found to be the reason for this mother to go missing, he is bucking the trend of killing the kids with their mommy (i.e.-Sheri Coleman: http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/s...nd+killed+wife).

What kind of family believes such horse shit excuses like camping with toddlers in freezing weather? I guess one who is trying to hold onto hope for their loved one to show up any minute.