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.

[stlnative]

This is from late Friday Night/Early Saturday morning... They found nothing after finishing the search on Saturday morning when the sun came up. (it's old news) Her post from alt.true.crime was posted early on Saturday morning on 6/22/02.

[DoughtyOne]

Thank you Brigette.

My patience is growing thin with the police about now. Something doesn't pass the smell test here.

[stlnative]

The first time I have ran across this actual police page of the perp's hat.

 

 

News Release
June 16, 2002

Description of Hat worn by
Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper

 

This English driving hat has been identified as the style of hat worn by the kidnapper of Elizabeth Smart. This hat is commonly worn by golfers and as a driving hat. The color has been identified as tan or camel. The material is described as canvas type.

 

If you have ANY Information,
Contact

Salt Lake City Police Department

1-801-799-3000

 

[stlnative]

From the SLC Police website

Elizabeth Ann Smart
White female; 5'6"; 105 lb; Blue eyes; shoulder length thin blonde hair; may have small red marks on face, one next to corner of left eye on cheek, another on right cheek, both from burst blood vessels; possibly painted (blue/aqua) toenails; physically fit; last seen wearing 2-piece red satin pajamas with short sleeves and long pant legs.

The victim was taken from her home at gunpoint on 6-5-02 at about 1:30 a.m. by an unknown suspect. Suspect described as a white male, 5'8"-5'10", medium build, 30-40 years old, dark hair with dark hair on arms and back of hands. Suspect dressed nicely and spoke nicely. Last seen wearing tan golf hat/English driving hat, tan pants, white or tan polo shirt (3 button), white or tan fabric jacket, dark shoes.

[Yeti]

Thanks for the ping :)

[mystery-ak]

Wow, was this thread busy last night!
A lot of interesting theories.....One thing I have learned over the years(Im sure every one else has to) is not everything is, as it appears.
Everyone is a suspect.

Im still hoping for a miracle and Elizabeth's safe return, but going now on third week I know the chances of that are slim....prayers for Elizabeth.

[Yeti]

Im still hoping for a miracle and Elizabeth's safe return, but going now on third week I know the chances of that are slim....prayers for Elizabeth.

I know, I know.

One hopeful possibility is the "prostitution ring" abduction theory hinted at by some involvement by Brett Edmonds and allegations of family involvement in a gay prostitution ring. I know she is female, but I think a ring is a ring, and I have seen some strange things, they could be related. She could be in Bangkok right now. The other hopeful is the boyfriend thing(seems less likely as time goes by).

Those are the only two scenarios that would likely have her still alive, IMO.

Someone "protecting" her from abuse or a family member abduction would have fallen apart by now under all of this scrutiny. I don't want to hear about it if they find her remains, especially if there is evidence that her last moments were unpleasant.

[Bella]

The other day, FOX news was giving one of the updates..I can't remember the name of one of the uncles who was an ex-congressmen that was speaking..Does anyone remember??

[Bella]

Fox update, Carol McKinley from SLC, saying that the crime labs, FBI, have turned up little info and basically baffled..

[mystery-ak]

Just saw it.
MSNBC...says Edmunds still in serious condition but alert and has talked to SLCPD and FBI, denies any involvment.
Car is still being tested.....no new details.

[cherry]

jack garn i believe..he also went into space as one of the first if not the first non-astronuats

[FR_addict]

1. Elizabeth had a dramatic reduction in grades within the last six weeks. All A's to D's and F's. 2. She was scheduled to see a psychologist to discuss the abrupt change in behavior.

I hope they follow up on the rumors and find out if they are true or not. One thing I noticed is how close the two girls were. Sometimes an older sister in a home is trying to protect the younger sister.

[mystery-ak]

Per FNC....Edmunds gave FBI permission to vacuum his car, it seems they can't get a search warrant unless they can link Edmunds to the kidnapping..HUH!

[restornu]

brigette

Check out his handle (Partisan Hack) this is a one sick puppy! Most likely an escaped liberal:)

[restornu]

Oh Please you just a Bigot!

[restornu]

Then they called the police, then called Tom & the Bishop and then headed to the neighbors OR Then they called the police, went to the neighbors and then called Tom and the Bishop.

It sounds to me like one who is trying to deny the bad news and this action if I do these things than she will be all right. I really feel for the family for they not only have to deal this tragedy they also have to take a beating from onlookers, such a gossips and vipers even on this board. Sad how much this nation has degraded to common snipers

[restornu]

The results of that lovely girl are because of her family. You are hopless Sorry to say that, and your approach is reckless.

[Bella]

jack garn i believe..he also went into space as one of the first if not the first non-astronuats

I think it's a different name...I'll have to go back in the news sites and see if I can find it if it's posted anywhere..

[thathamiltonwoman]

IF it's true that Elizabeth's grades dropped that could change everything. I can't believe that a 14 year old girl wouldn't be angry about missing her own harp performance. And what about this "cabin" in the mountains that Smart was moving the family too. She couldn't have been to happy about that either.

I was speaking to my aunt last night. She lives in Union, SC home of Susan Smith and knows the Smith family. When our coversation got around to this kidnapping my aunt said that the father looked and sounded just like Susan to her. I'm still willing to believe that the family is truthful and that a complete stranger did take Elizabeth but I'm begining to doubt. BTW what is being done with the donation money that is coming to the Smarts? Didn't the Van Damn's keep theirs?

[freedox]

"I can't believe that a 14 year old girl wouldn't be angry about missing her own harp performance."

I wonder who those harp performances were more important to......Elizabeth or her parents.