[GovernmentShrinker]

Why would they question MK when:

1) Law enforcement authorities had emphasized to them the importance of not doing this, as amateur questioning could inadvertently taint her memories, and interfere with ability of the professional child forensic psychologist(s) to get the best possible information from her, and

2) One or more law enforcement agents was living in the Smart home to monitor various aspects of the case, such as making sure the witness wasn't coached or subjected to potentially leading questions, and probably also in the home of the grandparent(s?) with whom MK was placed for a few days?

Why would the Smarts deliberately defy the instructions of the competent and diligent law enforcement personnel who were knocking themselves out trying to identify the kidnapper and find Elizabeth? Especially when their defiance would almost certainly be detected, and would tend to cast suspicion on them?

[freedox]

Do you have a source for those two facts, GS? I don't remember ever hearing or reading that, and I'd like to see exactly what the instructions/circumstances were. Thanks.

[varina davis]

Why would the Smarts deliberately defy the instructions of the competent and diligent law enforcement personnel who were knocking themselves out trying to identify the kidnapper and find Elizabeth? Especially when their defiance would almost certainly be detected, and would tend to cast suspicion on them?

Because that's what normal human being loving parents would do? That's why. It goes against every grain of human nature for them to have not questioned her immediately and at length -- unless they already pretty much knew the answers.

[Sherlock]

Excellent post. And if the parents did ask her questions privately their public posture would have to be that they've never asked her anything.

[Neenah]

Law enforcement authorities had emphasized to them the importance of not doing this

Who said this? The only person I remember saying this on air was Ed Smart (bashing the family here, you can see)I would like word from the PD on this please.

One or more law enforcement agents was living in the Smart home to monitor various aspects of the case, such as making sure the witness wasn't coached or subjected to potentially leading questions, and probably also in the home of the grandparent(s?) with whom MK was placed for a few days?

Can you give stats on the fact that LE was living in the house? You also state here that PROBABLY they were also at the grandparents home. It is best to stick with what has been stated. Just a thought.

Why would the Smarts deliberately defy the instructions of the competent and diligent law enforcement personnel who were knocking themselves out trying to identify the kidnapper and find Elizabeth? Especially when their defiance would almost certainly be detected, and would tend to cast suspicion on them?

I don't recall anyone saying the Smarts deliberately defied anyone. I am just questioning if the PD has stated they told Mr. and Mrs. Smart not to talk to their daughter. I think that is important. It would be something brought up in court.And I do seem to remembe Ed saying this in answer to a question by a reporter. Do you know? I would like to see where anyoe in LE said that. Thanks GS.