New Leads In Smart Case

The Salt Lake Tribune ^ | October 26, 2002 | Kevi Cantera and Michael Vigh

[Palladin]

Expert Offers 'Some New Leads' in Smart Case
Saturday, October 26, 2002

BY KEVIN CANTERA and MICHAEL VIGH

As police investigating Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping became stymied by a dearth of solid leads over the months, the case has grown conspicuously cold.

That could change following a recent visit from renowned forensics expert Henry Lee, who was recruited to examine evidence in the mysterious kidnapping. Lee, who has worked on such high-profile cases as the O.J. Simpson trial and the disappearance of congressional intern Chandra Levy, told The Salt Lake Tribune this week he gave investigators "some new leads to follow" in Elizabeth's June 5 abduction.

Citing a confidentiality agreement with police he signed before gaining access to forensic evidence in the case, Lee wouldn't discuss his findings specifically.

Chris Thomas, speaking on behalf of Elizabeth's father Ed Smart, confirmed Friday that Lee gave law enforcement "many recommendations" on how to proceed. "The police said they would pursue those leads. . . . From our understanding, investigators have been very busy, since [Lee] left," Thomas said. "It has given the family a lot of hope that things are progressing in a positive way."

The 14-year-old girl was snatched from her bedroom in the early morning hours by a gun-wielding intruder -- a crime witnessed only by her younger sister.

Lee's examination of a kitchen window screen led him to back an early police theory that the screen was cut from inside the home, possibly as a diversionary tactic by the abductor, multiple law enforcement sources tell The Tribune.

Police have been unable to determine if the kitchen window was the actual point of entry into the Federal Heights home. Investigators' skepticism is grounded in the lack of scuff marks around the kitchen window and the belief that anyone squeezing through the small window would have awakened family members.

"I went through the house and did look at a lot of evidence . . .I examined the screen and the window," said Lee, refusing to say what he determined from the analysis.

Thomas said Lee did not discuss his findings with Ed Smart or other family members because of the confidentiality agreement.

While Salt Lake City Police Chief Rick Dinse welcomed Lee's input, he said: "I don't think there was anything that [Lee] found that will change much." Dinse said he expects Lee, who was originally recruited into the investigation by Ed Smart, to provide police with a written report.

Though Dinse has not publicly ruled anyone out, the chief has called the late Richard Ricci, who worked in the Smart home as a handyman last year, the No. 1 potential suspect. Ricci, who was being held at the Utah State Prison on alleged parole violations, died in August from a massive brain hemorrhage.

He was also charged with robbing the Smart home of jewelry and other items and an earlier night-time burglary of a home nearby while he worked in the neighborhood.

[landerwy]

Does the color of ones hair make one blonde? Or these days can it be attributed to there actions? By the way, are you working on a book yet?

[FR_addict]

On Sunday, the missing girl's family will celebrate Elizabeth's 15th birthday with a trip to "her favorite place" -- Disneyland, Smart said at a brief news conference at the family LDS church house.

Thanks for the post. Just catching up to see if there is anything new on this case. The Smarts are going on another vacation. A trip to Disneyland? It's like Elizabeth never existed.

[cookiedough]

I have a feeling they are making the trip for the sake of their other children. Life does have to resemble some sort of normalcy for them to feel secure. The Smarts cannot concentrate all of their energies on grieving about what happened to Elizabeth because they have to work and take care of their family.

I bet it's real hard for Mr. and Mrs. Smart to do that -- if they didn't have their other children to consider, I bet both of them would fall apart. They cannot do that. I think they are very strong people and I admire them for that. They are also fortunate that they do have a large, close family and many friends to support them through this.

I bet there are many times when they'd both like to give up and succumb to what must be never-ending grief and depression over this.

[Sherlock]

There is also the "connectivity" quote out there somewhere.

Chief Dinse said he also had other potential suspects, ALL of whom were associates of Richard Ricci.

[scaredkat]

A trip to Disneyland? It's like Elizabeth never existed.

I find this very hard to swallow, other people who have missing children seem to put there whole lives into trying to find their child. The Smart seem to think that another vacation is needed!?!, have they ever gone out looking for her on their own? I have spent many hours on behalf of the Smarts family looking for Elizabeth and so have others. I tell you, if my daughter was missing I would not stop looking fo her until I personally have checkout every inch of at least Utah and not even caring if the LE told me not too, I would anyway. I feel, they think that other people are looking for her and so they don't need to or they really believe she is dead and oh well, someday someone will find her. As for as the vacation, doing it for the kids, please give me a break! I find it really hard to say- Yeah your sister is missing, someone took her, she's probably dead that is why we are not looking for her, now run along and go have a blast at disneyland-- This is pure Bull!-- Someone in the Smart family knows exactly what has happened to her and it is high time they come clean with all of us! We have the right to know especially with them asking for our help, don't you think?

I find myself learning to really hate Ed when I see him on the tv, He is all about me, me, me, I find he doesn't even say her name anymore. Remember he wishes it would all just go away! I guess he is trying to do a good job of it but also staying in the limelight.

One word to Ed if you are thinking about running for a political office-I dont think you will win, I have found a lot of people her in the salt lake valley are highly against you and think you were involved with it somehow.

I believe Ed was involved with just one word--Harp--I know that Harp is the clue to all of what happened begining on May 31st on through to her missing.

[bonfire]

Although I never thought Smarts had anything to do with this, I thought Ed Smart not convincing on TV this week. His tears seemed forced and fake. Something was "off". I'm still not convinced, but that "sound Bite" bothered me.

[landerwy]

"I tell you, if my daughter was missing I would not stop looking fo her until I personally have checkout every inch of at least Utah"

Physically impossible.

"I find it really hard to say- Yeah your sister is missing, someone took her, she's probably dead that is why we are not looking for her, now run along and go have a blast at disneyland"

A bit judgemental are we? Are you saying your way of dealing with problems is the only right way?

"Someone in the Smart family knows exactly what has happened to her and it is high time they come clean with all of us!"

Is this speculation or do you have more "inside information"?

"This is pure Bull!--"

Could this apply to what you wrote? Somw might think so!

[scaredkat]

Physically impossible
**
It depends on how determined you are.

A bit judgemental are we? Are you saying your way of dealing with problems is the only right way?
**
No and No, why are they not in school? Is it because of Elizabeths birthday? I would have a hard time with that as well, remember the women who celebrated her dead sons birthday in the cemetary? They believe she killed her son because of that action. Is this not the same even though there is no proof where she is? again I would have to say they same-- Yeah your sister is missing, someone took her, she's probably dead that is why we are not looking for her, now run along and go have a blast at disneyland"

Is this speculation or do you have more "inside information"?
**
As I have stated before, its both.

This is pure Bull!--"
Could this apply to what you wrote? Somw might think so!
**
NO, I don't care what others think, I care about Elizabeth. I don't understand why posters are not on Elizabeths side. Everyone states there are the Riccis side or the Eds side. WELL I am on Elizabeth's side and only her side and that is where I stand. By being on her side if someone she knows and loves is guilty then thats what they are. I dont think the Smart family is guilty I think one person of the Smart family is guilty if not for the actual kidnapping then just plain guilty for leaving a garage door open, unlocked doors, windows, no alarm. If you are a Smart or others on this thread are a Smart I think that you would question this too. At least for Elizabeth's sake. Don't bring up that crap about the doors not lock because of the safe place where they live. That is an out and out lie. I know alot of people who laughed at that statement.

[FR_addict]

You said it very well, especially the part about how Ed manages to make the disappearance be about him, not Elizabeth. I think this is the 3rd vacation, we've heard about, in the past five months.

I know I would be searching everyday that I could for her. I would take the vacation money and hire real detectives to check out all leads.

[landerwy]

I undrstand your frustration and venting. It's just I believe you are truly concerned and and came across quite strongly heavyhanded. I know how you feel about this case. It is horrible that ES has not been found. I just don't know what I would do if I were the Smarts. And I don't know who all was involved either.

[Palladin]

Larry King Live on Sunday:

Sunday, November 3 - LARRY KING LIVE

Her June 5 kidnapping set off the "summer of abducted children." Almost six months later, Elizabeth Smart is still missing. Her parents, Ed and Lois Smart, join Larry to mark their Elizabeth's 15th birthday

[Palladin]

This may just be the modern way of grieving. I agree that the Smarts must go on, and provide an atmosphere of normalcy for their other children, but Disneyland does seem a bit over the top.

Being oldfashioned, I still believe in a one-year mourning period for a very close relative. Most people I know who are within the one-year period do not even celebrate the holidays.

Maybe it's different in different religions and cultures.

[TXLady]

Bookmark

[sandude]

I don't think the family will go into mourning until a body is found.

[Palladin]

Good point, sandude. They are trying hard to keep hope alive.

[scaredkat]

Thanks for the info, I will make a point to watch it and tape it.

[jandji]

"connectivity between Mr. Ricci, these charges and the Smart case, but that does not mean that he's the abductor in this case," Dinse said."....."but if I could charge him and we could prove it, I'd charge him today." Dinse said.

I understand quite a bit actually. Including these statements above.

[trussell]

place marker

[lakey]

# 107 Aren't you the wily one? Posting as if I said, "You are a disgusting, immature, insensitive, ignorant fool":

You just proved me right. When you can't win, feel threatened, you resort to name-calling.

The most laughable part of your revealing post is that you prefer to believe the cops...holes, contradictions, mistakes...

Comparing the Smart case 911 with the snipers You'll notice the snipers were caught!