Susan Powell’s ex-father-in-law Steve Powell released from prison

Steven Powell
Steven Powell, father-in-law of missing Utah woman Susan Cox Powell, found guilty on child porn charges in a Tacoma, Washington courtroom. Photo: Pool

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Steve Powell, former father-in-law of missing West Valley City mother Susan Powell, was released from prison in Washington state after serving time for his 2015 conviction on unrelated charges.

Susan Cox Powell, a former West Valley City resident, disappeared under suspicious circumstances on Dec. 6, 2009.

Law enforcement officials were looking for evidence in the disappearance of Susan Powell when they discovered child pornography, including photos of neighborhood girls in various states of undress, in Steven Powell’s possession. His conviction on those charges is what put him in jail.

Steven Powell was the father of Susan’s husband, Josh Powell, a person of interest in her disappearance, who was never charged. He told investigators that his wife disappeared while he and his small sons were camping on a frigid winter night.

On Feb. 5, 2012, Powell killed himself and his two young sons in a gasoline-fueled fire at his Frederickson, Wash., house after legal custody of the boys, ages 4 and 6, was awarded to Susan’s parents, Charles and Judy Cox.

Jennifer Powell Graves, daughter of Steven and sister of Josh, told reporters at her father’s sentencing that she believed her father knew more than he was telling about his daughter-in-law’s disappearance.

“I think he is connected in some way to Susan’s case, but, you know, we’ll get him where we can,” she said of the conviction.

Susan Powell has never been found. Her disappearance remains unsolved. On May 21, 2013, West Valley City Police officials announced they were ending the active investigation of the case.

Steven Powell will be under community supervision for the next two years, and will have visits by a community corrections officer, Washington correctional officials said.

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