Powell family blames legal system, media for tragedy

SEATTLE

A couple who identified themselves as Josh Powell's aunt and uncle released a statement Wednesday blaming, in part, the legal system, religious bias and the news media for the tragic events that resulted in the murder of 7-year-old Charlie and 5-year-old Braden Powell.

 

The couple, who signed the statement “Uncle Maurice, Aunt Patti”, claim that Powell had asked them to take care of his children should the need arise. They also said the battle for custody of Charlie and Braden set in motion the events that led to their death.

“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 news media, all of whom have circumvented the laws that protect all of our rights to due process,” the statement said.

“We believe that the stewardship of the responsibilities that have been entrusted to those organizations and individuals has been completely compromised.

The statement also said the couple urged Powell to tell the whole truth to the courts but he resisted in order to protect his family.

“We believe that Josh continued to use this restraint because of the fear of losing his sons and the love he had for all of his family members that he so desperately tried to protect,” the statement continued. “America, this is not only a tragedy, Sunday was a dark day for all of our families.”

To read the complete statement, click here.

Investigators say Powell, who was a person if interest in his wife Susan’s 2009 disappearance, filled his Graham home with gas Sunday morning before his children arrived for a supervised visit.

He then allegedly struck the children with an ax before they succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning and the house exploded.

The statement concluded saying; “America, this is not only a tragedy, Sunday was a dark day for all of our families.”

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