SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Josh Powell's two young boys will remain with their grandparents and not their father. And he has been ordered to undergo a psycho sexual evaluation. Those were the rulings today from a Judge in Washington.
It is the latest twist in the case that started with the disappearance of Powell's wife Susan more than two years ago in West Valley City. And on Wednesday, evidence from the West Valley City Police department played a big role in the custody hearing - held in Tacoma, Washington.
Back here in Utah - family and friends of Susan Powell are reacting to the decisions made in that Washington courtroom. Josh Powell's sister, Jennifer Graves says she is alright with just learning that police have had information pertaining to the welfare of the Powell children. "They have, in fact, taken tons of stuff and it takes time to go through it. So, I don't know what their timeline is." She goes on to say, "I'm glad it is now being presented and we can work that into the evaluation with Josh and make sure the boys are safe."
When I asked her if she was surprised she said, "It's not completely shocking." And because of what has happened with her father, Steve Powell, and the accusations surrounding child porn - she is not surprised that the information came out in court. Susan Powell's friend Kiirsi Hellewell says she was surprised. But is certainly glad that it is being addressed and evaluations are being ordered. "If the judge ordered that and the doctor ordered that they must have a good reason."
The other decision in court dealt with the custody of the Powell boys. And the decision to leave them with grandparents Chuck and Judy Cox made both women extremely happy. Graves said, "Oh, I think that is a great thing. They are in good hands there. The Cox's are taking good care of them. They've handled things very well." And Hellewell said, "I'm so happy - so overjoyed that the boys are still with their grandparents who love them and are taking good care of them."
