Police found wet spot in Susan Powell's home

WEST VALLEY CITY — Why were there two fans blowing on a wet spot on the living room floor of Susan Powell's home last Monday?

It's just one question her family would like answered in connection with the suspicious disappearance of the 28-year-old West Valley City mother of two.

Police noticed the spot when they broke into the house to see if the family had been poisoned by carbon monoxide, according to Powell's father, Chuck Cox. He said a family member who was with police at the time conveyed the information to him.

Cox said the presence of the wet spot initially gave him hope the family may have simply rushed to the hospital after an accident.

Powell's husband, Josh, showed up at the home later on Monday with his two sons and said he had taken them camping in the Simpson Springs area of Tooele County.

But there has been no word from Susan Powell, despite pleas from friends and family that have spread the news of her disappearance nationwide.

Josh Powell called Cox on Tuesday to say Susan was still missing.

"I wanted to ask him a bunch of questions, but he was on the way to the police," Cox said. "When he said she's missing, his voice kind of cracked."

Cox said he's had a "decent relationship" with his son-in-law.

"He confides in me at times, and we've worked through problems that they've had with his employment and stuff," Cox said. "There are so many questions I would ask, but I'm not really planning on talking to him."

Josh Powell's brother-in-law, Kirk Graves, who has been speaking on his behalf, said he was aware police were investigating the wet spot, but he had no comment.

Cox said he will continue spreading the word about his daughter for a few more days before returning home to Puyallup, Wash. He also has plans to meet with Elizabeth Smart's father, Ed, who has offered his support.

"I would love to do something, but what can you do?" Cox said. "All I can do is wait."

West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan said he could not comment on details of the investigation.

McLachlan says at least eight detectives worked the case Sunday, fielding any tips or leads they could get from the family or friends.

Detectives are appealing for the public's help.

They plan to conduct another interview early this week with husband Josh Powell, who told police he left his wife and took his boys, ages 2 and 4, on a camping trip around midnight Dec. 6 in subfreezing temperatures.

Powell told police he slept in a van with the boys in Utah's western desert. Police say he returned home Monday evening. They haven't been able to verify the camping trip because snow had covered the spot where he said he went.

Anyone with information about Susan Powell can call West Valley police at 801-840-4000.

Contributing: Associated Press

e-mail: pkoepp@desnews.com