There is no conspiracy here: SLPD Press Conference (Elizabeth Smart abduction)

KSL Radio ^ | 6/19/2002

[EnquiringMind]

This case is about to become more troubling. I have seen the latest edition of National Enquirer that will hit newsstands tomorrow. Article features disturbing information regarding Tom, Dave, and Ed Smart and a family member's "journal" that details male escorts and really creepy stuff.

[Utah Girl]

It's hard for me to speak of these things, but Lois Smart did say that Elizabeth had just learned the song 'If the Savior Stood Beside Me." The last lines really leapt out at me:

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see him there And because he loves me dearly I am in his watchful care

Yes, the song does talk about living as if we have the Savior right beside us all the time, but I don't think there was any secret message intended for Elizabeth. That song always gives me great comfort.

[mewzilla]

I'm not insinuating anything with this question, but I've been wondering when Ed Smart was polygraphed, before or after he went to the hospital? The reason I ask is because if the testing took place after the hospital visit, and Smart was prescribed something, I would hope the polygrapher would take this into account.

[Utah Girl]

I am just guessing here, but I think I remember him saying that he was polygraphed on a Saturday, which would have been June 8. He was hospitalized on June 7. I'll find out later this evening, I'm off to a church meeting...

[Carolina]

Brigette was the one who scanned it and posted it on last night's thread.

It has been very helpful, so thanks to Brigette. Hope we're not eating up your allotted bandwidth.

[Vinomori]

thanks, Utah Girl, you are appreciated

[Villiany_Inc]

"So whoever it was snuck up to Mary Katherine and Jon Benet's Elizabeth's room and snuck back down without making any noise?!? This is sounding flakier and flakier as this goes on..."

Its actually quite easy to go up and down stairs quietly, especially if they are carpeted. Just make sure that you walk on the sides where they meet the wall. Much less likely to creak. (I used to sneak up and down the stairs all the time when I was a teenager.)

[Vinomori]

Yes, a very strangely intimidating song designed to
make a person feel the flush of guilt. How would that
song be helpful to a true captive?

[Wild Irish Rogue]

For the first time, I think that Edmunds is involved. I think the police are purposely putting out false perp descriptions, to lull Edmunds into thinking he is definitely not a suspect. The fact that he is still at large,makes it seem like he is on the run,not some petty criminal with outstanding warrants.I think if it was a family member or the milkman, they would have cracked by now.When the police said they had probably already interviewed the perp,it may have been to trick Edmunds into coming in. By describing him as a witness, it might be to insure that no one would use deadly force to capture him, as they want him taken alive.When the Captain said that they thought the kidnapper was still in Utah,something clicked.

[Neenah]

I don't believe I commented on what I thought about the song lyrics, other than saying "hmmmmmmm"

But I am not familiar with the song, so I started reading the lyrics when I found it., and came to the conclusion of what you put in your post. Those same thoughts came to me.

Maybe it is because this whole case, so far, has been very strange. It is just not some of us who are saying that..other people like Doninic Dunn, and commentators on Court t.v., and such, are saying the same thing. This does not mean anyone is pointing an accusitory finger at anyone, but it stands out.

Some people will make excuses for the family. That is not wrong, however, NO ONE knows what happened..but ALOT of people find this very strange.

Tonight, (it just ended ) on Larry King LIve..the Smarts were interviewed for about 20 minutes. Now...maybe I am skeptical about this case, but I find some of the things Mr. Smart said odd. He said

(when asked by King.." Have you talked with Mary Katherine about this?", Mr. Smart said "We have not asked her any questions...WE WANT HER TO MAINTAIN HER INNOCENCE "

Now, sorry, I find that very odd. First, if you don't want to answer questions, DON'T GO ON LARRY KIND LIVE...but you came on, King asked the question. And you say..."we want her to maintain her innocence", and "we have not asked her any questions" huh? Why on earth would you say that? Come on ! If anyone one is a parent, and their child is abducted, could be dead, time is of the essence..and one of your other children, who slept with her, and SAW it, is there to talk to..YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TALK TO HER BECAUSE YOU WANT HER TO MAINTAIN HER INNOCENCE ? sorry, that is an odd statement.

Another thing Mr. Smart said when King asked him "Do you talk with the police?" (paraphrased), he answered " We try to stay away from this as much as possible" huh? You TRY to STAY AWAY ? huh?

I am sorry, but statements like this, is the reason I am looking sideways at this one.

[EnquiringMind]

I agree. I think he appeared on Larry King to keep the story in the headlines, but also as damage control regarding the National Enquirer article that is about to hit. I also thought his "NO" response odd when asked if he hopes she ran away with a boyfriend.

[Neenah]

Yes, I agree ! He spent more time on the "run away" question than anything. It was a very strange response to all the questions. Larry King repeats later tonight if anyone missed it. I never watch King anymore, but knew they were going to be on tonight.

Also, Mrs. Smart is so calm and demure like nothing is going on. All the kids are fine. But Mr. Smart is hanging on to her like crazy.

I am almost afraid to say anything anymore! I am not accusing anyone, but am very disappointed in how this is being handled. I only mean what I say in conversation...yet, sometimes if you speak your heart, you get jumped on so bad. Heck,none of us know what happened, but alot of people know this sounds very very strange.

Did you read the Esq. story? What is the jist of the article? Or do you only know what you posted before this? thanks

[freedox]

"WE WANT HER TO MAINTAIN HER INNOCENCE"

I'm beginning to wonder if this statement might be extended to include their views on Elizabeth, as well. I find the Smart's adamant denial of any possibility of a boyfriend somewhat odd. Of all the possible scenarios, this seems to be the one that they have the most difficulty talking about or even considering.......the possibility that she might have had a boyfriend. I wonder if this reported total lack of interest in boys has been confirmed by others with whom she might have been more open.

[GovernmentShrinker]

Maybe Elizabeth's mother knew her thoughts about the song were primarily about the comforting idea of being able to see/imagine the Savior nearby, rather than about the suggestions for behavior. I noticed there was also a line about sharing the gospel, and in this very religious family, it's possible the mother wanted to remind Elizabeth to try that approach. Apart from the general comfort message, that was the only thing that seemed applicable.

[EnquiringMind]

Yes, I read the article. They are calling it a "gay sex scandal". They were very specific about pointing out that no child pornography was found on his or Tom's computer, but pornographic homosexual pictures. Also, a journal was confiscated that detailed sadomasochism and male escorts - all 3 brothers are involved. Very disturbing. Perhaps the kidnapper is one of the escorts, and the brothers are trying to keep the lid on this angle. I am a new member, but have been a lurker for many years....I'm with you, the last thing I want to do is say too much and start off on the wrong foot!

[Hattie]

Maybe the police chief eats donuts. Sorry, I think we are looking at another Boulder or DC type investigation. I am still baffled that someone sees hair on the arms of a man with a jacket on; sees the hairs in the dark but can't see his face?

[GovernmentShrinker]

We want to maintain her innocence

I think this statement was just an awkwardly worded reference to what police have told us -- that one of the reasons MK was kept apart from her family was so that her memory of events wouldn't become tainted by conversations with family members. The "we haven't asked her any questions" line is probably the same thing -- investigators had asked the family not to question MK about the abduction, so that her recollections would be fresh and untainted when she was interviewed, and the family complied with that request.

I also recall an interview with the parents the first weekend after the abduction when they implied that they were trying to shield MK from the gravity of the situation -- presumably in large part for her own sake, but probably also so that she didn't turn into a hysterical basket case before investigators could conduct interviews and get all possible information from her. That could help account for why the word "innocence" popped into Mr. Smart's head when he was groping for words.

Remember that Mr. Smart has been through an incredible shock, has been getting very little sleep, is not experienced with giving interviews on national television, and may well be taking some sort of tranquilizers that have been prescribed to help him cope. I'd be alarmed if he WASN'T somewhat incoherent.