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Smart Case, July 26, 2002
07/26/02 | Jolly Green

Posted on 07/25/2002 9:01:00 PM PDT by Jolly Green

Time Line
05/30/02 Thursday ~ Ricci returns to pick up his Jeep at the auto repair shop before the shop has a chance to fully fix it He tells the repairman that it needed for an emergency.
06/04/02 Tuesday ~ Ricci is at work from about 9am to 5:30pm
~ Ricci claims he spends the evening with friends
06/05/02 Wednesday ~ 1:05am - 2 cars are spotted on the SLC Shriner's Hospital Parking Lot by a hospital security guard, two blocks from the Smart residence
~ 1:30am (approx) - Elizabeth is kidnapped from her home
~ 1:30am - Ricci claims to be in bed asleep with his with wife.
~ Ricci is scheduled to be off work all day today.
~ 7:21am - Rachel/Amber alert is issued and national media is involved.
~ 8:30am - Ricci and his neighbor talk about the kidnapping of Elizabeth, Ricci seems to know too much information about it.
~ Sometime during this day Ricci is visited by police in regards to Elizabeth's kidnapping as reported by Angela Ricci (Richard A. Ricci's Wife which is an ex-convict herself)
~ Ricci is seen by his neighbor digging a hole by his (Ricci's) trailer early in the morning. (heard the neighbor say this on TV)
06/06/02 Thursday ~ Ricci is scheduled to work from 9am to 5:30pm today, but instead works from 10:30am to 7:00pm
~ Police talk to Ricci this day about the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping. (The media is reporting this, so it could be wrong)
06/08/02 Saturday ~ Ricci returns the Jeep to the repair shop to get it fixed. The Jeep is muddy and the repair shop owner sees Ricci remove seat covers from the back of the jeep and place them into a plastic garbage bag that already contains other stuff in it. Also the repair shop owner said a muddy post hole digger was in the back of the Jeep, Ricci removes this also. Ricci has a man waiting across the street to give him a ride. Ricci takes the plastic bag and contents along with the post hole digger with him. Also there is 500 to 1000 extra miles on the Jeep since Ricci picked it up on May 30th, 2002.
06/14/02 Friday ~ Ricci is taken into custody for a parole violation, this being the 2001 robbery of the Smart Home in which he admitted to.
Special thanks to Brigette for starting this timeline.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: elizabethsmart
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Wild-Eyed Speculation, Half-baked Theories and Myths
Theory(?) Facts
Richard Ricci has been identified as the prime suspect in the case, though several of his "theme park" pals are under suspicion. - Ricci is a 5-time loser, having been convicted of burglarizing a food bank and shooting a police officer. He has recently been indicted on three additional state charges including theft at the Smart residence and burglary of a Smart neighbor. Additionally, he has been recently indicted on three federal charges related to two bank robberies.
- Ricci worked for the Smarts last year for several months and was paid with a white Jeep in lieu of cash. He had full access to the house and may very well have had a key to the Smart residence. Ricci and two others were fired when some items were stolen from the home. Ricci later approached Ed Smart and said he wasn't involved and wanted his job back. Ed Smart declined to rehire him.
- Ricci lives in a trailer park in West Jordan that is now referred to as a "theme park" because of the large number of Ricci convicted felon friends living there.
- Ricci has no credible alibi for the period during and shortly after the abduction. He is believed to have put an additional 1000 miles on the Jeep during a period when he claimed the Jeep was in Moul's shop. Moul also reported that Ricci removed several trash bags, the seat covers and a post hole digger and carried them across the street.
- Ricci had both opportunity and motive.
Ed Smart and Richard Ricci were gay lovers. This is based upon Ed Smart's pleading before the media for Ricci to come clean, where he used phrases like "Help me, Richard". This theory was eloquently refuted by Jengaio and it hasn't reared its ugly head recently.
Elizabeth Smart had a nose ring, must have been rebellious and ran away. Later, proponents shifted emphasis to "piercings". Numerous photographs of Elizabeth Smart show no indication of a nose ring and the existence of a nose ring has never been reported by any credible news source.
Moul, the mechanic, lied to the grand jury and in TV interviews. Some of the scenarios: He knows more than he is telling; his eyesight is bad; he made it up; he is in cahoots with Ricci; he used Ricci's Jeep without Ricci's permission. Moul has no criminal record and no motive. What's more his vehicle logs corroborate his testimony. If Moul had "borrowed" the Jeep, he certainly would have washed it to remove the bugs, mud and pine needles.
Elizabeth Smart's aunt, in a televised interview said the police "are working with us". Implications: This surely must mean that the Smarts and their influential friends and church must be controlling/thwarting the 100-man SLCPD/FBI task force We will ask Jengaio to analyze the phrazing.

Motive Possible Suspect Details
Kidnapping All - The SLCPD has said there has not been any credible ransom demands. This may be due to the massive search and media blitz within 5 hours of the abduction i.e. the perps may have realized that their chances of getting caught were very high and they decided to get rid of the evidence.
Ricci & cronies - Ricci and his colleagues have recently been indicted for several Utah bank robberies, each producing only a modest amount of cash i.e. $1800 split 3 ways. It is likely that they were looking for a bigger "score".
Unknown N/A
Burglary Ricci - Ricci has five previous convictions for theft, burglary, and assault (shooting a police officer). He has recently been indicted on three additional state charges including burglary of a Smart neigbor while they were sleeping (a M.O. similar to the Smart kidnapping) and theft of the Smart home. He has also been indicted on three federal charges including two bank robberies.
- The Smarts, like most people, wouldn't keep large amounts of cash around. It seems likely that a simple burglary would not produce much in the way of cash or jewelery.
- The SLCPD has said some things were taken but haven't identified those items.
Unknown N/A
Burglary Gone Wrong Ricci - The Smart perpetrator may have been surprised by Elizabeth Smart and decided to remove the only witness.
Unknown Same as above
Sexual Predator Ricci - Fox News reported Ricci had attempted an "inappropriate relationship" with one of his old girlfriends 16 yr old daughters.
Unknown N/A
Revenge Ricci - Ed Smart wouldn't rehire Ricci even though Ricci claimed he had no involvement in the theft of the Smart house.
Unknown N/A
Runaway Elizabeth Smart Unknown possible motive
Unknown N/A

Significant Links
Date Title Comments
06/16/02 Sister reported the abduction relatively quickly Wait was quite short for child, an expert says Certified forensic psychologist Gerald P. Koocher said it is remarkable the child notified the parents as soon as she did. Koocher, dean of Health Studies at Boston's Simmon's College and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, pointed out that in other scenarios such as sexual abuse, a child will refrain from telling on or speaking about the incident for years if there is a threat to hurt other members of the victim's family.
06/28/02 Hair samples collected in missing girl case Moul said Ricci was a regular customer who typically joked around, but seemed to be in a bad mood that day.

"I was trying to play a joke with him -- I saw his car and said, 'What, you just come back from the mountain and play in some weeds?' but he did not respond," said Moul. "He didn't even look me straight in the face."

Before returning the car, Moul said Ricci parked it across the street from the shop and removed covers from the rear seats. Ricci threw the covers into a large plastic bag, removed a post-hole digger from the Cherokee's hatchback and apparently disposed of the items, Moul said.

06/30/02 Handyman denies taking Jeep before girl abducted The handyman being investigated in the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart, 14, has denied removing his Jeep from a repair shop days before she was kidnapped, a senior law enforcement official said.
07/20/02 Police Doubt Ricci Was Spotted in Wyoming Police have said Ricci, 48, is on the "top of the list" of potential suspects in the 14-year-old's June 5 disappearance. Police say they cannot verify his alibi for that night -- that he was home with his wife -- and they are not sure where he was between May 31 and June 8. Ricci maintains his innocence in the abduction.
07/24/02 Katie Couric Boylan Interview on NBC Complements of Neenah. See post #74

1 posted on 07/25/2002 9:01:00 PM PDT by Jolly Green
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To: Bella; brigette; IamHD; Paladin; Sherlock; HoHoeHeaux; Illbay; Neenah; sandude; Utah Girl; ...
Ping
2 posted on 07/25/2002 9:05:45 PM PDT by Jolly Green
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To: Jolly Green
bump
3 posted on 07/25/2002 9:13:11 PM PDT by homeschool mama
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To: Jolly Green
Thanks for the ping...

At least One correction on the timeline

(June 14th - Ricci is taken into custody for a parole violation, this being the 2001 robbery of the Smart Home in which he admitted to.)

This should be...June 14th - Ricci is taken into custody for a parole violation, this being drinking while on parole and association with other ex-cons.

When I have time and when I am feeling better I will write up a better timeline.

You may want to add that Ricci was publically known about with in the media on June 24th, after being in custody for 10 days. At some point during these 10 days, Ricci confessed to the theft of the Smart home and the burglary of the Smart neighbors.
4 posted on 07/25/2002 9:22:34 PM PDT by stlnative
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To: Utah Girl; homeschool mama; Carolina; pamlet; Endeavor; EggsAckley; sweet_diane; joyce11111; ...
PING...
5 posted on 07/25/2002 9:23:49 PM PDT by stlnative
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To: brigette
thanks for the ping
6 posted on 07/25/2002 9:32:46 PM PDT by dalebert
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To: Jolly Green
J.G., this guy should be sent along with the Gitmo boys to the Middle East for "proper interrogation", since bananas and cereal of his choosing for breakfast, fast food of his choosing for lunch, and steak and potatoes for dinner do not seem to be working.

Wanna bet the "local post hole digging" was a planned preface to what they had planned? Like the witness said, "Yeah, sure, he was digging a hole over there...."

Much like scoping out a 7-11 or a quick check-cashing outlet?

What was the actual purpose of the post hole or holes he was digging at that time?

Are these witnessed post holes filled with "functional" posts or just ornamental efforts?

Put your state maps up, draw the concentric circles of how far (where) the punk could have driven in that model jeep.

Add the average gas mileage for that jeep model. How many times would the jeep have to have been "gassed-up" to make the trip?

Ask questions of any gas station personnel within the concentric.

One last comment: If more people supported organizations like the Boy Scouts who achieve merit badges on assertiveness, observation, self-reliance and the capability of survive whithout the aid of a nanny-state, then this case may have been solved by now by the public who might know what and who to look for, rather than shy away.
7 posted on 07/25/2002 9:40:51 PM PDT by Vidalia
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To: Jolly Green
April 2001 - Ricci steals items from the Smart Neighbors home and is later charge with 1 count of theft in July 2002 (Ricci also worked in this home as a handyman), he also breaks into the same home also during April 2001 and is also charged with 1 count of burglary in July 2002 for the April 2001 crime.

June 6, 2001 - Ricci steals items from the Smart home while he is employed there as a handyman. Ricci also is charged in July of 2002 of 1 count of theft.

September 2001 - Ricci's handyman employment at Smart home ends on good terms.

July 10, 2002 - Formal charges are taken against Ricci (2 counts of theft & 1 count of burglary) on the theft & burglary of the Smart Neighbors home which occurred in April 2001. And 1 more count of theft for stealing from the Smart home on June 6th, 2001.

Reword it as you like Jolly... :-)

Do all of you remember Ed Smart saying that Ricci was referred to him by a friend and have you noticed that Ricci was working in the neighbors home before he worked in the Smart home? I find this strange and was the theft & burglary of the neighbors home reported when it occurred? Wouldn't the neighbor told Ed Smart about the theft of their home when Ricci was later hired by Ed Smart? To me this sounds fishy... maybe the neighbor is involved somehow with Ricci?

8 posted on 07/25/2002 9:47:49 PM PDT by stlnative
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To: brigette
told = tell
9 posted on 07/25/2002 9:49:05 PM PDT by stlnative
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To: Jolly Green
July 10, 2002 - Formal charges are taken against Ricci (2 counts of theft & 1 count of burglary) on the theft & burglary of the Smart Neighbors home which occurred in April 2001. And 1 more count of theft for stealing from the Smart home on June 6th, 2001.

The date should be July 11th not July 10th....sorry
10 posted on 07/25/2002 9:54:09 PM PDT by stlnative
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To: brigette
I've been using your articles a lot, thanks for all your work and the nice layout on your forum.
11 posted on 07/25/2002 10:33:05 PM PDT by Sherlock
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To: All
I carried this forward from July 24, page. I'm not sure who asked the question tho'.
Can anyone name another kidnapping where the victim was found ALIVE after 51 days? Especially a high profile case like this one that received national attention

On December 4, 1972, seven-year-old Steven Stayner was kidnapped by a transient stranger who lured the boy into his car with the promise of a ride home. Based on the true story of a boy's abduction and torment at the hands of a stranger.

Steven died in a motorcycle accident in 1989, Merced, CA.
Steven Stayner Timeline

12 posted on 07/25/2002 10:35:49 PM PDT by Pistacio
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To: Pistacio
that has got to be one of the worse miscarriages of justice ever....what evil was allowed to go free...and yet,Steven went thru hell and back , only to die in an idiotic accident.....they say life is unfair...it was totally for Steven....
13 posted on 07/25/2002 10:43:40 PM PDT by cherry
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To: Sherlock
I'll be retrieving the SLC Tribune articles sometime in early August.

I give the Smart Family another week, before they start coming up with new details on the case. I don't know how they can stand this not being in news everyday. The only reason I can think of for their silence is that they know who the kidnapper is, but they are waiting him out and trying to figure out when he will tip them off. If Ricci is not the person in the composite drawing... I am sure the Smart family will reveal this shortly. Right now as it stands... the media and public seems to think Ricci is the one (which he may or may not be in my opinion). If the Smart family does not think Ricci is soley responsible or if he they think he had no part in this. Then they will start talking. With the Smart Family finally bring in Boylan without LE knowing it... tells me they are loosing faith in the LE people.
14 posted on 07/25/2002 10:52:35 PM PDT by stlnative
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To: cherry
yes very unfair to him. I recall how overjoyed the reports were of his escape and recovery.

I neglected to post this portion of the story. Parnell is the transcient kidnapper in this case.
Parnell subjected Stayner to seven years of sexual atrocities.
Kenneth Parnell in 1972. In 1980, Steven--and an 8-year-old kidnap victim--escaped and reported Parnell to authorities.

15 posted on 07/25/2002 11:01:44 PM PDT by Pistacio
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To: Pistacio
Very interesting, I hadn't heard of Steven Stayner. Thanks, Stash.
16 posted on 07/25/2002 11:07:47 PM PDT by Sherlock
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To: brigette
If Ricci is not the person in the composite drawing... I am sure the Smart family will reveal this shortly.

Interesting...I don't think Ricci is the person in the drawing. I think Ricci is an accomplice. I think LE has known since early who the kidnapper is and they haven't told Ed Smart. I think Ed probably knows now because I would guess a lot of PI types in the area have been giving him information and he probably knew who to expect. I think someone similarly tipped him off on Newhouse, about her story and ongoing discussions with Ricci's attorney, and Ed smoked her out with the lost email story. I don't think Ed will be patient to sit back and wait for Elizabeth to show up like the first article on your site from yesterday indicated was the SLCPD/FBI plan.

17 posted on 07/25/2002 11:18:22 PM PDT by Sherlock
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To: Sherlock
I hadn't heard of Steven Stayner. Thanks, Stash.

I finally got one up on you Sherlock...that's a nice change.

I remember hearing about while living in Socal, while my folks lived up North. I think that SS is from the Merced and Stanislaus areas. Unfortunately Steven's brother is Cary Stayner accused of killing the Yosemite tourists. Sund/Carrington. Not a pretty sight. (10 years after his brother died) Trial is ongoing at the moment.

18 posted on 07/25/2002 11:26:14 PM PDT by Pistacio
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To: Pistacio
I finally got one up on you Sherlock...that's a nice change.

Yeah, right. Ho ho.

Unfortunately Steven's brother is Cary Stayner accused of killing the Yosemite tourists. Sund/Carrington.

OMG. That is too bizarre!!

19 posted on 07/25/2002 11:35:04 PM PDT by Sherlock
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To: Sherlock
Yes, Isn't it bizarre. I will keep the rest of my comments to myself.
20 posted on 07/25/2002 11:47:27 PM PDT by Pistacio
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