Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping - Daily News/Chat Thread - Day 18

06/23/02 | Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping - Daily News/Chat Thread - Day 18

[stlnative]

June 22, 2002 - Late Evening Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) _ A hospitalized drifter sought for questioning in the disappearance of a teenager in Utah was alert and talking with investigators Saturday.

Bret Michael Edmunds, 26, was cooperating with investigators, said FBI spokesman Kevin Eaton. Salt Lake City police sought Edmunds for questioning in connection with the disappearance of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her family's home June 5.

Wanted for Questioning

Bret Michael Edmunds

• 6"2'
• 235 lbs.
• 1997 green Saturn
• Considered Dangerous

"He's talking to us. He's not telling us, 'go away, I want a lawyer,"' Eaton said.

But investigators won't say what information Edmunds is giving them. They will release information after Salt Lake City detectives have a chance to interpret Edmunds' responses.

Questioning Edmunds likely will not substantially affect the Smart case because he was only a possible witness and not a suspect, Eaton said.

"We've been hitting five to six promising areas, and we've been concentrating on a lot of important stuff" not related to Edmunds, Eaton said.

Edmunds remained in serious condition in a secure section of intensive care at City Hospital under the watch of U.S. marshals. He is being treated for a drug-related liver damage.

"He's conscious, he's coherent and he's talking," hospital spokeswoman Teresa McCabe said.

Edmunds, who appeared at the hospital Friday, began talking with a Salt Lake City police officer and FBI agent Saturday morning. Doctors monitored Edmunds' condition to ensure he was up to the questioning.

McCabe said Edmunds would stay at the hospital at least three or four days. She would not divulge details of his condition, citing confidentiality rules.

Edmunds is being held on a federal warrant charging him with fleeing to avoid prosecution for a probation violation. The charges are unrelated to the Smart case.

"He is still not a suspect at this time," Police Chief Rick Dinse said. "He's a question mark, and we want to put a period on that question mark."

Edmunds, who was living out of his Saturn sedan, had been seen in the Smart neighborhood the week the girl vanished. While Elizabeth's sister described the alleged kidnapper as a 5-foot-8 man, Edmunds stands 6-foot-2.

A Saturn found in the hospital parking lot was photographed, impounded and towed away. Police saw nothing suspicious through the windows, and are seeking a search warrant.

Also Saturday, sheriff's deputies said cadaver dogs were unable to find a scent at a subdivision near Salt Lake City. A police search was prompted after dogs owned by search volunteers apparently picked up an unusual scent.

Edmunds has been sought since last fall for outstanding warrants on charges of fraud and assault on a police officer in Utah. He had served 60 days and was put on probation in 2000 for stealing and forging checks.

When he is physically able, Edmunds will be taken to a magistrate for a hearing, the marshals service said.

[John Jamieson]

Is Francom the grandfather's name? Where can we find his obit?

[per loin]

You mention in post #21 a recent drop in Elizabeth's grades. What is the exact source of that rumor?

[CindyDawg]

I know. I can tell by your latest posts that you are cynical but not mean spirited. It's ok to WISH for the best or goodness though isn't it?

[Partisan Hack]

I hope you are right and I am wrong. It would be a refreshing change.

What a stupid sounding sentance. It's not at all what I meant to convey.

[Vinomori]

I can't be responsible for how you think I sound.

This is your problem. You want to provoke everyone and not take responsibility for doing that. It's not that you can't take responsibility, it's that you don't.

[CindyDawg]

I know. I can tell by your latest posts that you are cynical but not mean spirited. It's ok to WISH for the best or goodness though isn't it?

[John Jamieson]

Your link doesn't work. I tried to read your home page.

[Plummz]

google it

[CindyDawg]

OOPs! Sorry. Didn't mean to double post.

[Partisan Hack]

It's ok to WISH for the best or goodness though isn't it?

ABSOLUTELY.....As you are not eliminating ANY possibility and are squeezing EVERYONE close to this girl.

That's the best we can do for this good girl, Elizabeth.

[Pistacio]

Thanks ;)

[Partisan Hack]

You want to provoke everyone and not take responsibility for doing that. It's not that you can't take responsibility, it's that you don't

I want you to be provoked and would be flattered if I was successful. It makes no difference to me how I am regarded.

[Timesink]

I think you need to catch up with the facts in this case. The Police have verified that they received the FIRST call from the Smart family at 4:01am, then the other calls were made to the rest of the family because the family said it seemed to take forever for the police to get there.

Not that I'm making any allegations or anything, but keep in mind that the police are under no obligation whatsoever to tell the truth to the media about any of this. If, hypothetically, calls were indeed made to others before one was made to the cops, and the cops had a reason to believe it was in the best interest of their investigation to make some unknown suspect think the first call was to the police, then that's what they would say.

Most of the cops in the Susan Smith case thought her story was funny almost immediately, but they played the game as if they believed her for several days, while they were piecing together evidence against her.

[John Jamieson]

Gave it my best, but couldn't find it. Do you know his first name?

[Partisan Hack]

Not that I'm making any allegations or anything, but keep in mind that the police are under no obligation whatsoever to tell the truth to the media about any of this. If, hypothetically, calls were indeed made to others before one was made to the cops, and the cops had a reason to believe it was in the best interest of their investigation to make some unknown suspect think the first call was to the police, then that's what they would say.

Most of the cops in the Susan Smith case thought her story was funny almost immediately, but they played the game as if they believed her for several days, while they were piecing together evidence against her.

Yes, yes, YES! You nailed it.

[Vinomori]

Blavdak Vinomori (pseudonym)

[stlnative]

You came in here with totally wrong facts about the way the family placed calls that night. It has been said on TV, by the SLC Police Chief that the first call was to 911 at 4:01am by the Smarts', then the family called relatives. I believe the phone records were looked at. Your comment proves to me that you are not current on the facts or the events as they took place. Plus you came in here talking about a rumor in SLC... that the father did something to her so he could get the ransom. Huh... if there was a ransom to be paid out, wouldn't the father be digging in his own pockets for the ransom? (your comments just have not been sensible or factual tonight.) Utah Girl and I both pretty much feel the same way about the family. I also know that this family knows a lot people and many people were working on the home. Nothing the parents or family members have done or not done makes me feel they had nothing to do with it. I also do not think Elizabeth ran off with a boyfriend. Now really I am heading to bed... Good Night Partisan Hack... (really I am not trying to attack you... but your comments tonight just did not add up...they are pure speculation based on rumors and false facts that have now been cleared up by the SLC police)

[stlnative]

Why would the police clear up the way the call were made from the home that night? Why not say "no comment" to the media and leave it alone?

[stlnative]

Correction - I need to go to bed and stop posting as I am making typing errors

Nothing the parents or family members have done or not done makes me feel they had nothing to do with it.

Nothing the parents or family members have done or not done makes me feel they had ANYTHING to do with it.

[Plummz]

http://groups.google.com/group s?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&threadm=f0e77308.0206112 222.3c6977c7%40posting.google. com&rnum=5&prev=/group s%3Fhl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DISO-8859-1%26q%3Delizabeth%2Bsmart%26bt nG%3DGoogle%2BSearch
Message 112 in thread
From: Patty (earthage2002@yahoo.com)
Subject: Re: Elizabeth Smart -- BREAKING news
Newsgroups: alt.true-crime
View this article only
Date: 2002-06-12 00:28:11 PST


Myron LeGrande Francom "Eternal Sweethearts"
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Salt Lake Tribune

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,Myron LeGrande Francom died May 29, 2002 at his home surrounded by hisloved ones.

Myron was born January 6, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to WilliamLeGrande and Laura Boley Francom. He married his eternal sweetheart,Genevieve Pettit on November 14, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple.

He served honorably in World War II and loved his country. Heworked at the Deseret News Press for over 30 years and found it agreat blessing to set the type for many Church magazines and books.His greatest love was reserved for his family. Myron and Jenny wereblessed with nine children, 51 grandchildren and 34great-grandchildren who were the center of Dad's life. He was anactive member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintshaving faithfully magnified many callings throughout his life,including over 25 years of service in the Salt Lake Temple. He servedas the President of the Philippines Manila Temple with his companionfrom 1993 to 1996, and continued thereafter as a sealer in the SaltLake Temple. Dad's greatest qualities were faith, integrity, anddevotion to his wife and family and love for his Savior. Families areForever.

Myron is survived by his eternal companion Jenny of 60 years;children, Laura Parr (John), Myron L. Jr. (Beverly), Mark S. (Janice),Carolyn Joy Bradford (Kenneth), Michael A. (Lorna), Genevieve Wright(Steven), Stanford L. (Terry), Lois Smart (Edward), David B.(Carolyn). He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brotherand both sisters.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 3, 2002 at 12:00 noonat the East Millcreek 15th Ward building, 3750 S. Hillside Lane (2500E.), Salt Lake City. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the churchon Monday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the services.
http://groups.google.com/group s?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&threadm=f0e77308.0206112 222.3c6977c7%40posting.google. com&rnum=5&prev=/group s%3Fhl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DISO-8859-1%26q%3Delizabeth%2Bsmart%26bt nG%3DGoogle%2BSearch

From: Patty (earthage2002@yahoo.com)
Subject: Re: Elizabeth Smart -- BREAKING news
Newsgroups: alt.true-crime
View this article only
Date: 2002-06-11 23:22:58 PST

> > > Hmmm....wish I could find the obituary; none of our papers> have free archives going back more than seven days.> Not only a home health care worker, but perhaps someone> who delivered oxygen. Maybe we can turn up something> saying where he died, eventually.> > Kris

Girl's family: 'God the most important person on our side'Fri, June 7, 2002 The Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY -- Every day for three months, Lois Smart took herchildren to visit her bedridden father. The kids, with a work ethicimpressed upon them by their parents, kept the lawn mowed and planteda flower garden for their granddad.

Myron Francom died at his home in Holladay on Saturday, leaving ninechildren and 51 grandchildren. On Monday, granddaughter ElizabethSmart played the harp at his funeral. She played "Silent Night,"because Christmas, when all his large clan gathered together, was hergrandfather"s favorite time, and that was his favorite tune.

Two nights later, a gunman crept into Elizabeth"s bedroom and took herfrom her devoted Mormon family, so devastating Lois Smart that she nowfinds it nearly impossible to speak.

Thursday morning, Lois Smart appeared on the "Today" show, uttered afew words and fell apart.

"She didn"t even have time to mourn her father. She has a brokenheart. She cries 24 hours a day," said her brother Mark Francom. "Shesaid to me, "Why would he pick my home?"

"The family"s ties to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsrun deep. On Wednesday, the church President and Prophet GordonHinckley called Charles Smart, Elizabeth"s grandfather.

"He said, "Charles, we"re sorry for your trouble. We remembered you inour prayers in the temple. Is there anything else we can do?" " Smartsaid.

Hinckley"s son Richard led the prayer meeting at the Federal Heightswardhouse Wednesday night. An estimated 300 people turned out. "Ithought we would have 30 people," Charles Smart said.

"A lot of people there weren"t members of the church.

"On Thursday, 100 LDS missionaries turned out to help search along withmore than 1,000 other volunteer searchers.

On Thursday, church leaders issued an unusual official statement thatexpressed concern for Elizabeth, called on her abductor to release herunharmed and "welcomed" church members to help with the search effortand bring comfort to the family.

Thirty hours after Elizabeth"s disappearance, her family was out inforce at the Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City, headquarters of themassive volunteer search effort to find the 14-year-old girl.

A $250,000 reward for her safe return had been posted. Volunteers havespread out across the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains and thestreets of Salt Lake City.

The family fasted and prayed all day Wednesday.

Their thoughts turned to Elizabeth"s abductor. "Many prayers have beengiven (in) hope he would soften his heart," Francom said.

"We have our faith," said Laurie Francom Warner, one of Elizabeth"smany cousins. "God is the most important person on our side."