Elizabeth Smart thread, August 31-September 7, 2002

[Neenah]

And alot of people I think would agree with me that if Mrs. Smart did all the interviews alone, there wouldn't be this doubt about the bizaar statements, cause I don't think she would make them.

She would have had dignity.

[Utah Girl]

Thanks Neenah for posting your notes, that is a lot of work, and it is appreciated. Just one question, did Angela say what was in the autopsy report?

[varina davis]

Excellent summary, Neenah. Angela also mentioned that her husband had a degree in horticulture.

[sandude]

I'm saying that I detected no evidence of subterfuge.

I thought that I did. I taped it and will review it and let you know. The one thing that really hit me was her reaction to waiving the attorney client privilege. She stumbled and dodged and made the weak excuse about his new lawyer being a public defender. She defiantly looked shaken by the question. There is no way she will sue anybody because she wants the information in this case buried as deep as her husband's ashes will be.

[Sherlock]

yep. thanks!

[varina davis]

I have yet to see you do the same kind of thing.

I've been "mulling" since early June. When did you start?

[Palladin]

RE: attorney-client privilege....they discussed this and Larry asked if it is still in effect after the client dies. The attorneys, Geragos and Grace, agreed that it is, and the only one who could have it waived would be the next of kin, in this case, Angela Ricci.

[freedox]

"Just one question, did Angela say what was in the autopsy report?"

From what was said, I wasn't sure that Angela had seen any autopsy results. I thought she might have misunderstood the question about the autopsy, since what she read was a statement from the doctors at the hospital, saying that brain damage was extensive and that recovery was impossible. What actually caused the brain hemorrhage was never stated.

[Neenah]

I'd even *like* to agree with you, but I'm saying that I detected no evidence of subterfuge.

I agree jen, and I would like to add...

Angela is not sophistacated or educated. She is going through a very hard time, flew to big N.Y. from her trailer.

She is whisked to CNN Studios and going on national and World wide T.v. with Larry King ! (like him or not, he is a big name around the world). I give her alot of credit. She was there to ans. questions, and if I am a judge of character..this lady only knows how to speak plain. She did.

And women can judge women a whole lot better then men. I am not one to hold one's past over them for the rest of their lives. Who are any of US to do such a thing?

[sandude]

That would be almost impossible, given the evidence.

We don't have much of the evidence yet. I think it is possible that she knew much of what was going on. There were many statements that she made tonight that contradicted what others have said. She could be lying through her teeth.

[varina davis]

The one thing that really hit me was her reaction to waiving the attorney client privilege. She stumbled and dodged and made the weak excuse about his new lawyer being a public defender. She defiantly looked shaken by the question.

I realize you are eager to crucify her, but it seemed to me she wasn't sure what the question meant. But even if she did, why SHOULD she answer something like that without legal representation?

She did make a point of saying that one basic think she has learned from the whole thing, is to "always have legal representation." That spoke volumes about how she feels they were treated by everyone involved.

[sandude]

Are saying the American people are now being conned by George W. Bush, given his 70 percent approval rating?

Did my statement about the Clintons say that all Presidents are cons?

[Palladin]

I, too, came away with a very favorable opinion of Angela Ricci tonight. She conducted herself with great restraint, especially in the face of that B**ch Nancy Grace's rude insinuations, and a couple of tasteless calls from professional busybodies.

Tonight we heard Richard Ricci's voice for the first time--from the tape on their answering machine. In no way would I describe him as softspoken....more like firmspoken, cheerful, and upbeat.

I fear I have gravely misjudged both Angela and Richard in the past. For that, I apologize.

[varina davis]

I thought she might have misunderstood the question about the autopsy, since what she read was a statement from the doctors at the hospital, saying that brain damage was extensive and that recovery was impossible. What actually caused the brain hemorrhage was never stated.

She said "there was an extensive autopsy." She further said the hemorrhage was in the cerebellum of the brain and that she saw a CAT scan showing he was brain dead.

She first said she didn't sign anything before the ventilator was removed -- then said "at least I don't remember signing anything."

[Sherlock]

I've seen Angela Ricci on local broadcasts here, and have not been impressed...

I just caught the end but she wasn't doing well then. They asked her if they found any evidence in the Jeep and she said to her knowledge they hadn't found any evidence in the Jeep. If she truly thought Ricci was innocent she would have said there was nothing that would be evidence in the Jeep because her husband had nothing to do with it.

It would appear Ricci didn't bury ES on Jun 8 though if the searchers saw his accomplice digging a large rectangular hole on the next day, Jun 9.

[varina davis]

And women can judge women a whole lot better then men. I am not one to hold one's past over them for the rest of their lives. Who are any of US to do such a thing?

How true, Neenah. There but for the grace of God....

[Sherlock]

I'm saying that I detected no evidence of subterfuge

I did, quite obviously.

[sandude]

I will say one more time, though, her *overall* demeanor did not appear defensive or suspicious in any way. NOT what I expected.

I agree with you here Jen. She handled herself well. I did expect this myself because she has handled the press well in that past. I don't know if she was involved or not but I am suspicious. Her statements tonight contradicted what we have been told about this case. Once the transcript comes out we will have to go over it and see what can be ascertained.