Solutions and Harmony Over Violence

Susan is an outgoing, optimistic person with a servant’s heart and boundless energy. She is characterized by her faith in her Heavenly Father, her determination to provide for her children and her belief that families are forever. Her faith is an example for others, including her two boys.

Susan Powell was last seen in her home in West Valley City, Utah on December 6, 2009. Police were called on the morning of December 7th when Susan’s childcare provider became concerned that Susan did not drop her children off as scheduled. It was soon discovered that both Susan and her husband Joshua failed to report for work at their respective jobs. When no one could reach Susan or Joshua, police searched the family home, fearing that the family may have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. No one was in the home.

Joshua Powell eventually returned to the residence later that evening with the two children, but Susan remains missing. Joshua claimed that he took the two children camping at about midnight the night before, leaving Susan asleep or preparing for bed. As a result of their investigation, police have characterized her disappearance as suspicious with criminal overtones.

On February 12, 2012, Charlie Powell (age 7) and Braden Powell (age 5) died of smoke inhalation when their father, Joshua Powell, committed suicide by burning down the house he rented. During the first supervised visit, following Josh’s failure to regain custody of the boys, Joshua locked the visitation supervisor out of the house, then attacked both boys with a hatched and set the house ablaze. Joshua left messages with his attorney and family members stating he was sorry “for all the people he had hurt”.

The investigation into Susan’s disappearance and the search for Susan continues.