8/3/2019 Powell family statement on Josh Powell
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Statement From: Maurice and Patti Leach 2-7-2012
We are grievously saddened at the loss that the Cox and Powell
families have
suffered. There is no justification for the loss of two innocent
children, Charlesand Braden.
Josh had asked us to step in and offer our support in helping
him as the nextpatriarchs of the family with the absence of Steve,
his father. We were alsoasked by Josh if we would offer a safe
haven for his sons should the need arise;our answer was absolutely
yes.
We felt that Josh represented himself using a great deal of
restraint withpatience and dignity at his children's custody
hearing, even though it did not work
out in his favor. Our familys suggestions to Josh both before
and after thehearing were that if he had any credible facts, no
matter how disturbing, heshould present it so that due process
would be possible. We believe that Joshcontinued to use this
restraint because of the fear of losing his sons and the lovehe had
for all of his family members that he so desperately tried to
protect.
When we arrived in the state of Washington we believed in
America's legalsystem. After witnessing how broken the system was
and the events that tookplace before our eyes, both inside the
court room and outside, we left for home in
disillusionment of the legal system and concern for our family's
posterity.In our hearts and minds we feel that this family tragedy
was set into motion from
the beginning due in part to the various questionable government
agencies'practices, religious bias, the internet kangaroo courts,
and sensationalized newsmedia, all of whom have circumvented the
laws that protect all of our rights todue process. We believe that
the stewardship of the responsibilities that havebeen entrusted to
those organizations and individuals has been
completelycompromised.
America, this is not only a tragedy, Sunday was a dark day for
all of our families.
Uncle Maurice, Aunt Patti
P.S. Josh, Susan, Charles, and Braden, you will always remain in
our hearts.
