As search efforts continue for Susan Cox Powell friend says Josh discusses how to dispose of a body

March 23, 2010 - Just as a group of volunteers are coordinating the first large volunteer-driven ground search effort for Susan Cox Powell, the 28-year old mom who's been missing for over three months, we learn that Josh Powell was talking about how one could dispose of a body in a mine shaft just a year before she went missing.

Susan Cox Powell, 28, went missing from her West Valley City home Dec. 6, 2009. Her husband is the last known person to see her around midnight when he claims she went to bed. He then says he took their kids, then ages 2 and 4, camping in the middle of the night during a winter snowstorm.

At a 2008 Christmas party Susan and Josh' friend told Brent Hunsaker of ABC 4 News in a video interview that Josh told him a mine shaft was the best way to dispose of a body. "Basically," the friend said, "it would be deep, it would go straight down, and for someone to find something down that it would literally be impossible."

A year later he said, "I didn't realize Susan Powell would go missing and that her body would not be found." That's what caused him to go to police.

"I can't believe I was having this discussion with him about this type of thing," the friend said. "I just couldn't believe it."

Captain Tom McLachlan of the West Valley Police Department said, "We have done a thorough search for the last three months both air, ground, and underground."

There are 1,000's of abandoned mines, according to state mining officials who said it's worse than finding a needle in a haystack.

McLachlan said, "If the mines were sealed and were not tampered with, we did not go in them. If they were not sealed, we searched them."

ABC 4 News Marcus Ortiz asked how deep did police go? The police won't say how deep they went. But, what they do say is their search for Susan Powell in abandoned mines as well as other areas isn't over.

First major volunteer ground search effort for Susan

The first major volunteer search effort in Susan's disappearance is scheduled April 10 and reportedly could bring as many as 2,000 people into the West Desert.

Brent Hunsaker of ABC 4 News reported that more concerns and more pressure are being put on organizers, and that those concerns are coming from the Bureau of Land Management, the Tooele County Sheriff's Department, and even the Cox family. "It all boils down to this," Hunsaker said. "The area to be searched is a long way from anywhere."

Simpson Springs is where Josh Powell said he was camping with his two young sons the night Susan disappeared. It's about a two hour drive from the Wasatch Front, a good part of it is on dirt roads through land controlled by the BLM.

The Bureau's concerns, Hunsaker said, are where are 500 cars going to park, if people come four to a car? That's assuming 2,000 people were to show up for the search.

In a place, he says, that can't handle a tenth of that number. What's more, he said, no vehicles will be allowed off-road. Examiner.com contacted the BLM. Click here to learn the potential hazards people could face and what precautions they can take in preparation for the search.

Chuck Cox, Susan's father, believes it could be dangerous and is not sure it's worth the risk. Sheriff Park said there's no chance the Tooele County Sheriff's Department will help organize the search. They will be there, they will be present, but he can't handle that kind of liability.

Organizers of the search say the number one concern they've heard from officials and Susan's family is for the safety of the searchers, the second concern is liability, as Sheriff Park pointed out.

Despite what officials are saying organizers of the April 10 ground search for Susan are still excited and believe they will find clues into Susan's disappearance. "Everyone's main concern is safety," said one of the organizers, Shawn Sorenson, "that's why organizers are seeking prepared individuals and experts."

"We have faith," Shawn said, "that we will find something before, during, or after the search. We are optimistic good will come from the search."

Organizers of the search will work with professionals and law enforcement to provide details to everyone searching on how to preserve evidence, should they find something they believe could be a clue into Susan's disappearance, or even of someone else who might have met their demise out in the West Desert.

"It's a way to bring everyone together that's wanted to do something for Susan," Shawn said. "This gives them that opportunity."

Organizers continue to receive tips from the public they believe will help in their search for clues.

People who have been searching for Susan, and who plan to search for Susan on April 10, have voiced their hope that West Valley Police will give them an indication of exactly where they've searched so that efforts are not duplicated.

Josh Powell remains the only person of interest in what police call a missing person’s case with suspicious criminal overtones.

Related:
BLM provides useful information to prepare for April 10 search

Source:
ABC 4 News