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2 who took bicycle in Y. coed case explain actions
139 comments | Read story
JayP | 5:36 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Yeah, right, people always abandon their bicycles with a lock that has to be
cut. But whatever. They may have been thieves, but at least they came forward.
Friar Tuck | 8:27 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Didn't take it to be a thief? Looks like mom should have talked to the boy
when he was a little younger about what stealing is.
Carol | 8:26 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Yep- abandoned bikes are always secured. Sure they are.
Comments continue below
Joe | 9:43 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007
It's interesting that Marks and Madsen could make themselves believe that a
locked bicycle was abandoned and that by their cutting the lock off of it they
were not stealing it. Also why did they have a pair of wire cutters with them
any way. Wire cutters are tools of bicycle thiefs...
Provo | 11:02 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007
These two should be charged. They stole the bike! The police should have not
been nice to them.
Chrisbob | 8:19 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
It was locked up, so it belonged to someone else. They could have erased some
evidence for the case. Atleast they came forward though.
A Canadian Who Cares | 9:17 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
You are right they took the bike, however, had any of you been listening to
their publicized interviews you would have also heard these facts:
-the bike's tires were flat and the bike looked abused as if it had been there a long time.
-the guy had wire cutters because he has problems with his car and has had to use them on occasion to fix his car.
-the guy thought the 'old' bike could be used for parts of which he started to dismatile it at home to use some of the useable parts.
-he saw a picture on tv of Camille's bike and immediately notified his friend and their parents.
-their parents really gave them both heck for taking the bike no matter who it belonged to be were also supportive in getting it to the police.
-at least they did the right thing in the end and didn't just dump it.
So let's just say they did a really dumb thing taking that bike but in the end were dang good kids in turning in the bike!
They have apologized over and over so let it be and let's get on with finding Camille instead of roasting these two young people. who are owning up to their actions which did take courage. Be nice and let it be!!!!!!!! How hurtful to roast them! Be nice and take the high road everyone!
-the bike's tires were flat and the bike looked abused as if it had been there a long time.
-the guy had wire cutters because he has problems with his car and has had to use them on occasion to fix his car.
-the guy thought the 'old' bike could be used for parts of which he started to dismatile it at home to use some of the useable parts.
-he saw a picture on tv of Camille's bike and immediately notified his friend and their parents.
-their parents really gave them both heck for taking the bike no matter who it belonged to be were also supportive in getting it to the police.
-at least they did the right thing in the end and didn't just dump it.
So let's just say they did a really dumb thing taking that bike but in the end were dang good kids in turning in the bike!
They have apologized over and over so let it be and let's get on with finding Camille instead of roasting these two young people. who are owning up to their actions which did take courage. Be nice and let it be!!!!!!!! How hurtful to roast them! Be nice and take the high road everyone!
Good Point | 2:16 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Canadian, I was ready to post my disgust at the two would be thieves, then I
read your article and was convinced to do otherwise. Extenuating circumstances
often breath new life into what would otherwise be an obvious conclusion. Thanks
for the enlightening information.
Adelle | 6:39 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Bad kids and habitual thieves don't contact their parents when they decided
they did something wrong.
Cut these kids some slack because they didn't dump it. I'm even impressed with the truthfulness of their story because he didn't just try to sell it, he was recycling it. A thief steals to sell or use as is. As far as abandoned bikes with locks, thousands of bikes are abandoned just this way. In the major city I live I've walked by bikes that haven't moved in a year locked to the city bike rack. The city has a small crew to do nothing but remove this junk as they can get to it. National parks, state picnic grounds all have a small problem with this.
Cut these kids some slack because they didn't dump it. I'm even impressed with the truthfulness of their story because he didn't just try to sell it, he was recycling it. A thief steals to sell or use as is. As far as abandoned bikes with locks, thousands of bikes are abandoned just this way. In the major city I live I've walked by bikes that haven't moved in a year locked to the city bike rack. The city has a small crew to do nothing but remove this junk as they can get to it. National parks, state picnic grounds all have a small problem with this.
NY | 7:37 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
What I tell my kids when they come upon something like this (though it has never
occurred to any of them that a bicycle LOCKED to a bike rack did not have an
owner) is that while we may not know who it belongs to, we know for sure that it
does not belong to us.
Anonymous | 7:55 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
The law is put into place for a reason. It seems to me that "young"
people will do whatever they want, thinking that "Daddy and Mommy"
will make everything all right. If these two don't face any consequences,
what does this teach others about our laws? That we can do what we want and get
away with it? The family needed the clue of Camille's bike, and these two
individuals stole it. Make an example of these two and make sure other
"young" people know about it. It would be nice for more parents to
actually teach their children right from wrong. But until we do teach them, we
should allow them to face the consequences of their actions.
Boneheads | 9:27 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
These two are VERY poor liars. Come up with a better excuse for STEALING a bike
that was locked.
Book 'em Dano!
Book 'em Dano!
Big Lou | 9:24 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Everyone loves to throw stones. Why is anyone worried about that aspect of this
tragedy. It took guts to do the right thing in the face of possible legal
action and media scrutiny. Not to mention the judgement of the locals!
well hello | 9:41 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
wouldn't you think someone put that bike up in provo canyon to throw you
off the right track. now why would someone go up bridal veil falls without rock
climbing experience?
Slade | 10:12 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Where are the police procedures on this? We've all seen bikes u-locked in
the City (NYC, Boston,...) that have obviously been abandoned, but there are
procedures in place: warning stickers, etc, then the public authorities remove
the bike. In wonderfully honest small towns, a bike can sit, unlocked, for
months and no one will bother it. They're collected at season's end,
probably by the snow crews. With this story, I'm inclined to believe that
there are plenty of rif-raf haunting Bridal Veil Falls.
6lc | 10:12 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
They may have made a mistake initially, but turning the bike over to the police
took courage. It would have been much easier for them to simply dump the bike
then making finding Camille that much more difficult. I commend them for
ultimately deciding to do hard and the right thing.
Anonymous | 10:29 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
I think these kids probably just lack common sense. If it isn't yours
leave it!
Focus on the Goal | 10:32 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
It's to find this girl, not to debate these other two kids. They found a
broke down bike so took it come put yourselves in their position. They turned
it in and have been very honest. They are not thieves...Let's work together
to find this girl and find solutions not to point fingers at these other two
kids. You are right, this was probably put up there as a diversion. Either
way, stop making these two kids who took the bike a distraction to the real goal
of finding her. Get a grip and get out there and look for her instead of just
sitting there and writing comments! Let's go!
miss normous | 10:35 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
seems to me we should be greatful they returned the bike, reguardless of why
they took it. at least police have something now.
Anonymous | 10:43 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
if canadian's post is correct, why would camille be riding a beat-up bike
with flat tires so far away from campus. one would think a ride to bridal veil
falls would require a bike in decent condition. i wonder if something more
sinister may have happened--perhaps a hit and run, with the bike being planted
at bridal veil to throw off investigators... if the two kids really thought the
bike was abandoned (and, as stated, the cops believed them), the bike must have
been in really bad condition. anyway, who hasn't made a stupid mistake
when they were high school?
note: i think it would have been fairly easy to match fingerprints on the bike to camille, as they could have found a number of items in her apartment with fingerprints; i sense some foul play...
note: i think it would have been fairly easy to match fingerprints on the bike to camille, as they could have found a number of items in her apartment with fingerprints; i sense some foul play...
Provoite | 11:53 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
This is amazing how people love to rationalize dishonor and theft. Don't
people realize that this was fear that brought confession. These Two thieves
thought that they could be indicted for murder or foul play if someone found out
about the theft at a later date. Yes, they came forward, and yes, they talked
to their attorney beforehand. This should tell you something. In a case like
this, fingerprints and last-state evidence tell a thousand words in tracking and
understanding a crime. They destroyed this and their own honor. Wow, what
are people thinking here??????
Carl | 12:24 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
A lock on a bicycle means that it belongs to someone else. What the heck are
they missing?
ouch | 12:53 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
I think it is punishment enough to have their names printed. This is the
equivilent of smoking cedar bark and getting caught. They say the worst thing
in the world isn't stealing, it's never getting caught.
Forgive and forget. Im sure they learned their lesson and now lets focus on getting Utah's Daughter back home.
Forgive and forget. Im sure they learned their lesson and now lets focus on getting Utah's Daughter back home.
You are thieves | 1:25 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
"I wasn't taking it to be a thief"???????? You have got to be
kidding me. I hate to detract from the bigger picture which is the missing girl
but give me a break. Anyone who goes and get's wire cutters and steals a
perfectly good bicycle knows exactly what they are doing. I hope the moral of
this bicycle story is even a small crime like this could lead to much bigger
problems. Luckily for these thieves, they were pursuaded to make a better
decision and confess. I think it needs to be said again, because the 1st 5000
times didn't get through, don't take anything that doesn't belong
to you without permission from the rightful owner.
Appropriate | 1:30 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
The explanation from them should read, "We stole the bike because we wanted
it and we didn't think we would get caught. It was a stupid decision and
we apologize for it. We have a lot of growing up to do."
Brad Anderson | 1:52 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Didn't think it belonged to anyone? Why would it be locked up? What a
terrible excuse for stealing!
To Canadian | 2:14 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
It's important to forgive and be glad they talked to police, however, they
stole the bike.
-Flat tires aren't an indicator that a bike is unwanted.
-Poor shape doesn't indicate a bike is unwanted either, in fact it could indicate just how much a bike is being used.
-I'm not a mechanic, but which part of a car is repaired with wire cutters?
-If a bicycle is locked up, it was locked up for a reason.....the reason being somebody didn't want someone else to take it.
To me the kids just made a dumb decision, but in the end it was a crime to take the bike period!
-Flat tires aren't an indicator that a bike is unwanted.
-Poor shape doesn't indicate a bike is unwanted either, in fact it could indicate just how much a bike is being used.
-I'm not a mechanic, but which part of a car is repaired with wire cutters?
-If a bicycle is locked up, it was locked up for a reason.....the reason being somebody didn't want someone else to take it.
To me the kids just made a dumb decision, but in the end it was a crime to take the bike period!
bethpat | 2:53 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
I've been in the force for over thirty years. This is the most pathetic
excuse for ruining a case I've ever heard of. Didn't know anyone
needed it my foot.
Sally Jitterbut | 2:59 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
An excellent summary from "To Canadian | 2:14 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007"!
And "Friar Tuck | 8:27 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007", you said it well, too!
Remember, Joe Friday said: JUST THE FACTS.
Anonymous | 5:04 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Amen to, To Canadian.
Let's Be Honest | 5:31 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
You can steal garbage or you can steal gold. You can steal an old bike or a new
bike. Stealing is stealing. Period. It was someone else's rusty, flat-tired
bike. If they didn't chain it there, then they shouldn't have taken
it. And when no one was looking, they decided to throw out their morals and
standards and STEAL.
Just a Guess | 5:43 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
I don't think we've heard the last of Mr. Marks and Ms. Madsen with
regard to this case.
Anonymous | 5:50 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
If it's not yours, don't take it. Sounds pretty simple to me.
>which part of a car is repaired with wire cutters
Oh, they can be very useful when hotwiring cars, stealing stereos from cars, etc.
>which part of a car is repaired with wire cutters
Oh, they can be very useful when hotwiring cars, stealing stereos from cars, etc.
SCTrojan | 6:33 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
With breaking news that Camille's body has just been found it is obvious
that she would have been found sooner.... MUCH SOONER AND MAYBE EVEN ALIVE had
these thieves not CUT the lock off of her bike and stolen it. By their thieving
actions they are complicit in her death and should be charged! Their pathetic
attorney who stated on KSL radio that "they are heros" is obviously
morally challenged.
lila | 6:55 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
There was an unfamiliar truck parked across the street from my home that had
been there 2 weeks. I called the police to have them check it out as I thought
it may have been stolen and abandoned there. Turns out it belonged to a family
up the street that had just moved in. Just because I think someone abandoned it
doesn't give me the right to take it.
Anonymous | 8:02 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Perhaps their finding & ultimately recognizing the bike, thus providing the
police with info, was actually a blessing -- got everyone looking in the right
place.
I don't know for sure, but I know God answers prayers, sometimes through other people (maybe they didn't need to take it, though, to have been of service).
I don't know for sure, but I know God answers prayers, sometimes through other people (maybe they didn't need to take it, though, to have been of service).
michelle | 8:17 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Am I the only one who thinks these thieves (for that's what they are) may
have caused this girl to die. According to the new reports, it is believed that
she succumbed to her injuries. Was she alive when they stole the bike? Had
they reported to the police that there was a bike by Bridal Veil, would the
police have been scouring that area earlier than they did? Could she possibly
have been found alive and brought home only hurt? They may not deserve the
death penalty or anything, but they shouldn't be receiving thanks and hero
status for their crime. What is wrong with people?
wondering | 8:44 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
there has been people killed for allot less, let's say basketball sneekers.
(of corse I'm not blaming anyone) leave that retoric to our law
inforcement.
Darby | 8:48 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Articles have said that Camille purchased the bike in June at ShopKo - I
certainly haven't known ShopKo to sell old and beat up bikes that look like
they are of no use to anybody. With Camille's body being found, with the
cause of death looking like an accidental fall, these two thiefs that took
something that was not theirs should be more ashamed than ever and not giving
interviews where they are claiming to not know what it means to steal. My
prayers go out to Camille's family, who will undoubtedly have escalated
anguish knowing that their Camille layed on that cliff for days longer than she
should have, due to those two thieves stealing her bike thus compromising the
search.
Alan | 8:48 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
The bike was purchased in June of this year. It must have had some pretty rough
treatment to look the way it sounds. If this was her transportation, she
probably kept it in good shape. My thoughts are it probably didn't have
flats either. We will never know now. My condolences to the family.
SMH | 9:26 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
It pains me to think that Camille may have fallen, but lived hoping in her mind
"Someone will see my bike, someone will come find me".
But those two shady creatures STOLE the only clue of her whereabouts. And may have sealed her fate.
Yeah they came forward (oh how noble of them...whatever) because they knew the cops were after that bike, and they were going to get caught.
Abandoned...um, yeah. I hope people don't think I've "abandoned" my vehicle when I lock it up and leave it parked somewhere!
Book 'em.
But those two shady creatures STOLE the only clue of her whereabouts. And may have sealed her fate.
Yeah they came forward (oh how noble of them...whatever) because they knew the cops were after that bike, and they were going to get caught.
Abandoned...um, yeah. I hope people don't think I've "abandoned" my vehicle when I lock it up and leave it parked somewhere!
Book 'em.
johnboy | 10:10 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
should they have taken the bike ? NO
but if they hadn't he probable would not known it
was the same bike when he saw it on the news.
I dought if they had one on there that had flat tires and bent finders
but if they hadn't he probable would not known it
was the same bike when he saw it on the news.
I dought if they had one on there that had flat tires and bent finders
wanna be lawyer | 10:25 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
The quote by Marks as reported "I wasn't taking the bike to be a
thief, I was taking it because I didn't think it belonged to anybody who
needed it."
I am bothered by the semantics of this statement; maybe just a poor choice of words, but, why would ANY ONE, young or old, assume that the bike belonged to someone who DIDN'T NEED IT?
And beat up with flat tires--not a reason--apparently the two youths that took it "needed it" in that condition why wounldn't the rightful owner--unless??????
It is, of course, just speculation on my part, but it seems possible that there is more to this statement than what meets the eye!
Knowing the original owner is deceased is certainly a way to justify "I wasn't...a thief, ...it didn't [belong] to anybody who needed it."
I am bothered by the semantics of this statement; maybe just a poor choice of words, but, why would ANY ONE, young or old, assume that the bike belonged to someone who DIDN'T NEED IT?
And beat up with flat tires--not a reason--apparently the two youths that took it "needed it" in that condition why wounldn't the rightful owner--unless??????
It is, of course, just speculation on my part, but it seems possible that there is more to this statement than what meets the eye!
Knowing the original owner is deceased is certainly a way to justify "I wasn't...a thief, ...it didn't [belong] to anybody who needed it."
Dee | 10:33 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Someone stated that if the bike had flat tires and was beat up, it could have
been a hit and run. Then the person locked the bike to Bridal Veil Falls and
threw the body over a cliff to make it look like an accident.
I still want to know where Camille spent the night Thursday night (assuming she was still alive), and if she had already died, who used her debit card on Friday.
I still want to know where Camille spent the night Thursday night (assuming she was still alive), and if she had already died, who used her debit card on Friday.
they learned | 10:44 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Thery learned a lesson and paid a price, and although the impact will not
forever stay with us in a severe way, I am sure these two will have larned one
of lives hard lessons. To those parents who say and brag about what they have
taught their children..I say listen to the words of the late James Faust in his
talk "Dear are the sheep that have wandered'. It is to those parents
who think they have done the most teaching, that the shock is hardest when they
discover that their children have made a wrong choice. Never say "my chid
would never do this or that...because at that very moment, your child may be the
one doing someting contrary to what you have taught." They are young, they
made a bad choice, they removed the bike from the mountaiin. Let's not cast
stones that will not bring any healing at this time. I don't think a person
who falls 200 feet and is out all night in the type of weather we have had this
past week survived very long. If there is a lesson to be learned, it is also
that young girls, guys or anyone for that mater, ought not to be out hiking,
biking or walking alone in the canyons, or after dark. After listening to a
speech by a convicted rapist, I don't think any young girl ought to go out
alone any time of day. Go with a friend, or at the very least inform your
friends of where you will be.
BYU padre | 10:43 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
And we still don't know who used the debit card or how they got it. Do
Marks and Madsen know anything about that?
Anonymous | 11:23 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Perhaps these two thieves stole my bike last year? They should check their
garages and see how many other "parts" they have. Stolen bikes are not
uncommon for Provo. They need to investigate these two clowns.
Anonymous | 12:18 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007
The venom here is amazing.
WWJD? What has happened to "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" ? Charging these kids will not bring Camille back. I'll bet if it is up to her parents as to whether to charge them or not, they will opt for not charging them. I have no doubt they are suffering the consequences of their actions.
WWJD? What has happened to "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" ? Charging these kids will not bring Camille back. I'll bet if it is up to her parents as to whether to charge them or not, they will opt for not charging them. I have no doubt they are suffering the consequences of their actions.
Anonymous | 2:30 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007
At least one of the kids' mom understands enough to yell at him for 4 long
hours.
metoo | 6:30 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007
well, cynicism and scepticism is aliving and kicking and finding a wonderful
vehicle in expressions worthy of Mosaic law. at worst they were opportunists
(ok, theives) at best a jerk and a ditz (ok, stupid). But hey most of us have
been there, done that - and in their case they will have to elude the stink for
a LONG time.
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