Attorney of missing Utah woman’s husband says client has left state with couple’s children

Lawyer: Husband of missing mom has left Utah

PUYALLUP, Wash. — A Utah man considered a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife has attended a vigil for her in Washington state.

Josh Powell’s attorney, Scott Williams, said earlier Sunday that Powell had left Utah with the couple’s two young children. Williams said his client went to his father’s house in Washington state for the holidays with his sons.

Powell attended a candlelight vigil for his wife, Susan, Sunday evening in Puyallup, Wash. The event was held by her family and friends.

Susan Powell has been missing since Dec. 7. Josh Powell told police he last saw her at 12:30 a.m. that day when he took their sons on a camping trip and left her at home.

Susan Powell’s parents and siblings, who live in Washington state, have said they were saddened that police named Josh Powell a person of interest, but not surprised.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah man considered a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife has left the state with the couple’s two young children, his attorney said Sunday.

Josh Powell’s attorney, Scott Williams, said in a text message to The Associated Press that his client went to his father’s house in Washington state for the holidays with his sons.

Powell’s wife Susan has been missing since Dec. 7. Josh Powell told police he last saw her at 12:30 a.m. that day when he took their sons on a camping trip and left her at home.

Police have called Josh Powell a person of interest and said he was not forthcoming in interviews with detectives.

Susan Powell’s parents and siblings, who also live in Washington state, have said that they were saddened that Josh Powell had been named a person of interest, but not surprised. The family and Susan Powell’s friends were planning a candlelight vigil Sunday night in Puyallup, Wash.

Williams said he was unsure whether Josh Powell planned to attend.

West Valley City police Capt. Tom McLachlan on Sunday said there are no restrictions on Josh Powell’s movements.

“He can come and go as he pleases,” McLachlan said, adding that police would still like to speak with him again.