PUYALLUP, Washington (ABC 4 News) - Parents to son-in-law: It's time to stop hiding and start cooperating with police as they search for Susan. That's the essence of the message the Cox family has for Josh Powell, the husband of Susan Powell who disappeared from her West Valley home on Monday, December 7, 2009.
The last two months for the Cox family have been, to say the least, difficult. Her mother, Judy Cox said, "I wake up depressed when I realize that it is real. It's not a dream." She fights through the depression by keeping busy -- mostly helping others -- a trait she said was picked up by her daughter.
Both believe that Susan is still alive. "She's out there, somewhere," said Judy. Her husband Chuck Cox added, "I just have not felt that she's gone. And I think I'd know that."
But mixed with their hope is a growing concern for Susan's two young boys and frustration with her husband.
When news of Susan Powell's disappearance spread, the Cox family was careful not to put pressure on Josh or criticize him publicly. Despite the seemingly incredible tale he told of taking his little boys camping in the middle of the night and during a winter storm, they refused to point fingers.
But in the interview conducted by ABC 4 for the two month anniversary of her disappearance, their tone had changed. They are alarmed by Josh Powell's lack of cooperation with West Valley Police. Chuck Cox said, "He asked me if I understood. Basically he said, 'You understand?' And I said, 'No, no I don't.' Because I don't understand. He's got an attorney now. He's the last person who saw my daughter -- his wife -- alive ... He's got to know something. He's got to help out. He's thrown a roadblock without his cooperation."
Chuck Cox pointed to a story he was told by Ed Smart. Early in the investigation of the kidnapping of his daughter, Elizabeth, police started to target him. "And he didn't like it," Chuck said remembering the story. "But he went into the police and did whatever they asked (him) to do until he got himself cleared. And then he went on to find his daughter. He went on looking for his daughter."
The Cox family expects Josh to do the same. But when ABC 4 asked if they believed Josh had thus far done anything to find his wife, Chuck answered, "Not that I'm aware of." And Judy said simply, "No."
Chuck Cox said the lines of communication remain open with Josh. He said, "I can talk to him. Right now I could probably talk to him about his car or the weather or whatever and it would be fine. But as soon as I go toward anything ... 'Well, can you tell me anything at all?' I get shut out immediately. As far as I know, everyone has."
What's more, Susan's parents have not been allowed to see their grandchildren since January 3, 2010. "I've asked, and I was told no," Chuck said. Now Josh will only allow visitations at his father's house, something that Chuck said was unacceptable, "We would like to see them more. We prefer to see them over here just 'cause it's awkward. Josh hasn't helped. And I don't know what's going on there."
For now, Judy and Chuck Cox know there is little they can do about any of it. "I can't force him to talk to police. I can't force him to let us see the children," said Chuck. "It's just beyond my control right now. All we can do is be patient and pray."
In the last two months both their faith and patience have been tried, but Chuck said they're still fighting because they believe Susan is still fighting. "She's a fighter. She hasn't given up. We know that."
