Bret Michael Edmunds
- 6"2'
- 235 lbs.
- 1997 green Saturn
- Considered Dangerous
Posted on 06/22/2002 10:17:01 PM PDT by 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.
Bret Michael Edmunds
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"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.
Blue toenail polish for a Mormon girl? I see no problem with it...my daughter, a Christian, chaste and conservative, wears shocking green.
I think the one beach video shows a shy girl....that's all...one who is uncomfortable in front of the camera.
No more disgusting than the title of this thread, Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping - Daily News/Chat Thread
To the disruptors who felt these threads were out of line--You know what, this has turned into something similar to a bar room brawl! What I can't understand is, those who are NOT interested in the daily turn of events on this unfortunate tragedy, why are you even reading this thread? You have MANY other threads that are of interest to you. This particular thread was started by UtahGirl who was pinging people who were interested in knowing updates, then Brigette also volunteered her services, for whom we are thankful for.
Are any of you aware that the authorities have subpoenaed any and all records/tapes, pictures, or whatever they have on the interviews or whatever was going on to recheck everything? If you go to msnbc and read and watch the videos, you'll see for yourself.
Did you forget that many authorities also go on hunches, get "rumors" from informants, and check these out? Don't think that they don't sit around and throw ideas/thoughts out just as the many people here are doing. Have any of you ever worked undercover?
It doesn't matter who you are, what you are, or what you think you are, things happen. I don't want you to think I'm bashing anyone specifically, or any religious belief, because I'm not..As they say, you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
This bashing of members by the disruptors is disgraceful. It's time for you to move on. You never know who might have said something that can be useful. IF you hear something and want to contribute, please come back. We all want Elizabeth found, alive.
I'm so sorry for your loss. <><
even in this dire situation, it is good to have a sense of humor....
This is, to me, a brilliant observation ! There is no way, in my mind, that these "perfect" children, raised in the manner born that they were, would quietly obey if it was a stranger. But hey...that is just me. ....or is it?
She went with him and didn't scream. Could it be the fact that he had a GUN and threatened her? Works for me.
They have been questioning him for a week. Suspect in FBI custody.
Construction worker. Had broke into a neighbor's house some time ago. Carol McKinley said they are questioning him about other's that may be involed with him.
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