From Deseret News archives:
Will book compromise trial?
Fundamentalist LDS Church member Allen Steed is the ex-husband of Elissa Wall, who wrote a book about her experiences as an unwilling bride to her 19-year-old cousin, and of her life in the FLDS Church. Wall's book, "Stolen Innocence," was released Tuesday, just two days before Steed was to appear before Judge G. Rand Beacham for a review of his case.
The review hearing scheduled for Thursday was continued for at least another 60 days on the request of prosecutors and the defense, who have been working toward a plea agreement that must be approved by Wall. According to the motion to continue, there are "factors outside the direct control of the parties involved," which make it difficult to resolve certain issues.
Steed was charged with one count of rape the same day a jury found FLDS leader Warren Jeffs guilty of two counts of accomplice to rape for his role in conducting a wedding ceremony between the two teenage cousins. Jeffs is serving two consecutive sentences of five years to life in prison.
Attorney Jim Bradshaw, who represents Steed, said Wednesday he is concerned that his client's right to a fair trial has been compromised by Wall's book and extensive publicity tour.
"While the book has raised great concerns about obtaining a fair trial, the issues are multiplied by the apparent book promotion tour that is reported to include a long string of appearances on national television programs," Bradshaw wrote in a May 8 letter to deputy Washington County attorney Brian Filter, who is prosecuting Steed. Wall appeared Wednesday on Oprah Winfrey's television show.
"Of particular concern was a purported re-enactment of the events of this case for the television show '20/20,' filmed on location in the Hildale area," Bradshaw's letter continues, which was also sent to Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap and Wall's attorney, Roger Hoole. "I think we can anticipate that these media events as well as the book will consistently include a narrative by her in which she recounts her version of the facts of our pending case."
Belnap said Wednesday that he believes Steed will get a fair trial when the time comes.
Recent comments
Well it's still a case of a 19 year old marrying 14 year old. I am...
Jellybean | March 14, 2009 at 11:59 a.m.
Correction: Ms. Wall's book will have no effect on Steed's case.......
Interloper | May 15, 2008 at 5:09 p.m.
This claim is more evasion, smoke and mirrors - exactly what we have...
Interloper | May 15, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.
- Bangladesh ferry capsizes at dock 10:08 a.m.
- NASA: Floating 'junk' not a threat 10:04 a.m.
- Multiple victims in Wis. shooting 9:57 a.m.
- Red air alert issued 9:50 a.m.
- Older Americans go to food pantries 9:47 a.m.
- Idaho woman dies after fall 9:40 a.m.
- Iran could leave nuclear treaty 9:35 a.m.
- Boise State stops Pack, stays perfect 9:22 a.m.
- Police to talk to Woods about accident 9:21 a.m.
- Man sentenced in China 9:05 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Efforts to save a life praised
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Rivalry Week is highly profane
- BYU's old uniforms?
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Hall's legacy measured today
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
267 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
212 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
133 - Boys basketball rankings
129 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
109 - Letters: Trump card for believers
93 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
86 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
81
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
doesn't really know or understand Kyle Wittingham. He is a gamer coach, and...
"We considered sealing off access to different portions of the cave, but...
Outside of the beat-down against Texas Tech just last week, what makes you...
. . .to begin with. Whatever. They've been in truthful violation of the...
Waaaahhh! Nuff said.
D-Will is worth every penny, w/o him nobodycomes to jazz games and they dont...
Sounds like it's all about-- Brad.
to let Utah think they're the underdog, and byu to think they're favored....
So right after our loss to the Utes I was feeling horrible, especially...
Is a girl.



