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Father risks children’s lives during harrowing hike in Utah mountains

Salt Lake City, UT A father is facing serious legal consequences after leading his three young children on a dangerous hike in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains last month. Micah Smith, 31, is charged with multiple counts of child torture and aggravated child abuse, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

The incident occurred in early October when Smith took his children, ages 2, 4, and 8, on the Broads Fork Trail, a hike rated “hard” within the hiking community. The trail is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

Disregarding the conditions and safety warnings, Smith continued the hike despite requests from his wife and children to turn back. The situation escalated when inclement weather, including rain and snow, set in, leaving the family stranded for the night.

The family began their trek around 10 a.m. on October 11, with Smith initially describing the hike as either nine miles or a nine-hour journey. Smith prepared by providing snacks and beverages but failed to provide adequate support for the grueling conditions they faced.

Within a short time, the children expressed fatigue and discomfort. Smith’s daughter reported that the snacks were quickly consumed and that they struggled with difficult terrain that required climbing.

As the weather worsened, Smith’s daughter voiced her fear and suggested they leave, but Smith allegedly dismissed her concerns, saying it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

By nightfall, the family attempted to descend the mountain, but it was too late as the snow and hail intensified. They sought shelter around 8 p.m., where the children reportedly experienced severe cold and distress.

The 8-year-old later recounted the freezing conditions and described an effort to keep her younger siblings warm. Police reports indicate that one child fell and became unresponsive, while the other required constant monitoring throughout the night.

When a Search and Rescue team located Smith the following day, he exhibited unusual behavior and made alarming statements about his children’s condition. Despite fears for their lives, all three children were found alive, one in critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

Investigators discovered alarming communications on Smith’s phone indicating awareness of the children’s deteriorating state. The situation raises serious questions about Smith’s judgment and responsibility as a parent.

Couple charged with murder days after divorce in Arkansas shooting

Rogers, AR A woman and her boyfriend face first-degree murder charges for the fatal shooting of her ex-husband. Amanda Penny, 40, and Michael Hogue, 51, were taken into custody this week, according to a statement from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred on July 11, when deputies responded to reports of a shooting along Highway 12. They found Kevin Nikel, a former WWE wrestler, with a gunshot wound to the stomach.

U.S. Marshal Service agents arrested Hogue in Fort Smith and Penny in Rogers. Nikel was the primary caregiver of the couple’s son, a situation that allegedly led to conflict following recent custody disputes.

Court documents revealed a prior court order limited Hogue’s contact with Nikel’s child. Additionally, Nikel was to maintain primary custody until Penny passed a required drug test, which she had not yet completed as of the day of the shooting.

Nikel’s mother was awarded custody of her grandson earlier this year. She expressed confusion over the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, stating she has many unanswered questions.

Reports indicate an argument occurred between Hogue and Nikel, possibly initiated through text messages. The nature of the confrontation remains under investigation as both defendants remain in the Benton County Jail without bond. Their initial court appearances have not yet been scheduled.