Smart Case, August 3, 2002

08/03/02 | Jolly Green

[Plummz]

FYI to anyone still paying attention - there was nothing worhtwhile in the tabloids this weekend. The Globe had a cheesy "phot-reenactment" of the kidnapping that included no new information.

[Sherlock]

I was called into Salt Lake by the Smarts, and then ultimately by the authorities.

My translation based on what happened - The Smarts called her in, then 4-5 days later the SLCPD announced in the paper they had brought her in. Looks to me like Boylan won SLCPD over or they realized for political reasons they'd better step in and put her on the payroll and take credit for what she did. I by no means believe she was brought in by SLCPD.

[Palladin]

Thanks, Plummz, for checking the 'bloids for us. The Smart case is quickly fading into oblivion. Hope the girl is alive and well and married to some potbellied polygamist!

[Sherlock]

...nothing worhtwhile in the tabloids this weekend.

Thanks for checking, Plummz.

[sandude]

On the last post of yesteday's thread you said something about Tom Smart not going to church anymore. Thus he wouldn't be the best spokesman for the family. I've never heard this about Tom...can you clarify what this means as far as the LDS religion goes? Is this a big thing if you stop attending church?

One of the programs, I believe it was LKL, had about 9 family members on in a group. I don't remember the exact exchange as it was sometime ago so perhaps somebody else will have the details. The conversation was about church activity and when it came time for Tom's response it was somthing akin to "no comment". Several of the family members laughed a little including Tom. It was obvious that it was not a big issue with the family but as a Mormon my impression was that he is not attending at this time.

This could be for a whole spectrum of reasons. I've had periods in my life when I was less active. Sometimes people stop attending because of a moral transgression but more often than not it is because somebody hurt their feelings. Once you stop going for awhile it can be hard to go back to church because of the awkwardness of the situation.

[Sherlock]

Earlier Tuesday Ed Smart told The Associated Press that "we did have her come in, and we feel there's going to be a tremendous benefit out of what she's done. We've put everything in the police's hands."

Boylan will only say the information from her interview has been given to investigators.

The Smart family is saying very little about Mary Catherine's meeting with Boylan, but are said to be encouraged at the results of the interview which are now in the hands of the police.

Reports July 24
http://pub37.ezboard.com/felizabethsmartcaseforumfrm13.showMessage?topicID=56.topic

[dalebert]

Thanks for the ping

[MiloMarch]

Those here that continue to analyze every word said by the Smart’s and read all kinds of meanings into it should consider the very real possibility – in fact, the strong likelihood - that the parents are saying almost EXACTLY what LE is telling them to say?

I think it was when Samantha was grabbed that one of the news shows interviewed Clint Van Zandt, a former hotshot FBI profiler. After showing a clip of the mother pleading for her return, Van Zandt was asked if he thought LE had given the mother any tips or suggestions on how to appeal to the kidnapper. Van Zandt said that he certainly had scripted many such pleas in the past.

As long as the Smart’s haven’t turned on the police, and say they are letting the police handle everything, I’ll bet they are receiving constant advice from the FBI on what to say at the press conferences. They almost certainly have been told how they should address the kidnapper, and the FBI might well have worked out actual scripts with them.

The parents might even have been told something like Ricci most likely did it, and that Liz is dead, but if they want to recover her body, they should appear hopeful that she is still alive. Perhaps FBI studies have shown such a ploy is the best way to make the perp feel guilty, feel sorry for the parents, and want to help them by confessing. I don’t know – but I do think it is a likely enough possibility that people shouldn’t tear apart everything the family says and read all kinds of sinister things into their words and accuse them of being weird because of what they say in front of a camera.

[FR_addict]

I just don't feel like we get straight answers from Ed Smart.

I recently posted about 6 questions I would like Ed to answered. When I get Ed's answers to the questions, then maybe I will believe him.

[lakey]

Haven't been able to produce what I'm thinking of regarding Elizabeth's personality and the way she treated people. There are mentions of her conduct at school with her peers, commments such as, "Oh, you look nice today."

After sleeping on it, it occurred to me that one of Elizabeth's aunts on t.v. brought up the subject of personality, stating that, at get-togethers (may have not been family exclusively), even though Elizabeth herself is quiet, she is out-going and seeks out those who may feel uncomfortable, shy, or lonely. Elizabeth would sit off in a corner with them.

Any of you recall hearing the above?

[Sherlock]

Haven't been able to produce what I'm thinking of regarding Elizabeth's personality and the way she treated people. There are mentions of her conduct at school with her peers, commments such as, "Oh, you look nice today."

Congeniality. Result of her good upbringing. I bet her parents treat people the same way. This is typical of good Christians.

[varina davis]

The fact that this is so secretive leads me to believe anything said that may compromise the investigation/surveillance will result in tragedy.

Good analysis. Perhaps the alleged kidnapper is mentally or emotionally unbalanced. That might keep everyone from the Smarts to the LE walking on eggs.

[lakey]

(didn't mean to forget you on #53, varina)

I think you're right on target with the "mentally or emotionally unbalanced." Explains much.

[lakey]

I tried for a couple of hours last night. But I think I heard it on t.v. The night the family was interviewed in their home (it looked like), library or den, the parents were forward to the camera and 3 or 4 of the family were sitting on stools behind them. Two sisters & 2 brothers??

[lakey]

The kidnapper must have been mentally-challenged in some way. He didn't wear gloves. He wore light colored clothing. He hung around inside the home for a period of time.

However, either he is bright enough to obtain a drivers' license, took, stole a car, or had someone drive him.