OK, David also clarified Tuesday that Larry Long, who told a Salt Lake City TV station that he would represent Mitchell, was never retained by Mitchell and was not in fact an attorney in the case... Federal public defenders, including prominent Utah defense attorney Ronald Yengich, met briefly with Mitchell, 49, and his 57-year-old wife last week at the jail. However, the attorneys left when it became clear federal charges were not immediately forthcoming.
Yengich, who contracts with the federal office, has declined to comment about his possible involvement in the case.(It looks like Mitchell doesn't have an attorney yet.).
Further down in the story. The Smart family has retained an attorney to protect Elizabeth's interests during the upcoming prosecution. The Deseret News has been asked not to release the attorney's name at this time.
Asked whether that meant the Smart family would do what it could to keep Elizabeth off the witness stand in any trial, including approving some type of plea agreement for her alleged captors, Thomas said it was difficult to speculate what would be asked of her.
The Smarts have been brushing up on victims' rights and have talked to a number of people in recent days, including "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh and Patty Hearst, Thomas said.
The Smart family, meanwhile, is speaking out against comments made by Long and Mitchell's father, Shirl Mitchell. Both men said Brian Mitchell wasn't quite the monster he had been portrayed as because he did not kill Elizabeth.
"Those comments speak for themselves," Thomas said.
Patty Hearst suggested that an attorney be appointed for ES....which is wise...
also...I hope there is a plea...I hope that this does not go to trial....