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Father faces charges after children endure perilous hike in Utah

Salt Lake City, UT A father is accused of endangering the lives of his three children during a treacherous hike in the Wasatch Mountain Range last week. Micah Smith, 31, faces six felony counts related to child torture and aggravated child abuse, which could lead to a significant prison sentence. His defense attorney seeks to limit media exposure related to the case, arguing that it could negatively impact the children.

Defense attorney Kayla Mahoney filed a motion in Salt Lake County court requesting that cameras be banned from the courtroom. The motion states that images of their father in handcuffs may harm the minors emotionally.

The argument posits that any exposure to courtroom images is unnecessary for the children. The motion highlights a “reasonable likelihood” that media coverage may adversely affect their well-being.

The hiking incident occurred in early October at Big Cottonwood Canyon. There, Smith took his children, ages 2, 4, and 8, on the Broads Fork Trail, which is rated “hard.”

As conditions deteriorated, Smith allegedly ignored pleas from his children and their mother to turn back. The charging documents recount multiple instances where the children expressed discomfort and requested to leave.

Failing to heed his daughter’s concerns as the storm approached, Smith stated it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. When conditions worsened, he left the children alone early in the morning to seek help.

The family was rescued by a search and rescue team utilizing a helicopter. Investigators discovered evidence on Smith’s phone showing his wife’s repeated inquiries about the children’s safety.

Moreover, a video showed his daughter worrying about freezing to death. The prosecution has yet to respond to the defense’s motion regarding courtroom cameras.

Utah woman sentenced to 50 years for murdering parents and attempting to kill brother

Washington, UT

Mia Bailey, 30, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life for the murders of her parents. Bailey pleaded guilty but mentally ill to two counts of aggravated murder and to an aggravated assault charge last month.

The shootings took place on the evening of June 18. Bailey entered her parents’ home, shot her mother, Gail Bailey, 69, and then shot her father, Joseph Bailey, 70.

According to a criminal affidavit, Bailey admitted to shooting her parents multiple times to ensure their death. She stated, “I would do it again. I hate them,” during an interview where she bragged about the crime.

At the time of the attack, Bailey’s brother, Cory Bailey, and his wife were also present in the home. Cory attempted to escape and called for help after Mia shot at him.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors described how Bailey planned the crime, bought a gun, and practiced at a shooting range. They noted Bailey specifically targeted four individuals.

Cory Bailey expressed his feelings about the tragedy, stating, “We’ve lost our parents, and we’ve lost a sibling, in many ways.” He added that the family is suffering profound loss in multiple ways.

Mia Bailey faced ten felony charges, including aggravated murder and aggravated attempted murder. A plea deal ultimately reduced the charges she faced to three.

In a statement read by her attorney during court, Bailey expressed remorse for her actions, stating she wished for forgiveness for the “atrocity” she committed. Her sentencing reflects the severity of her actions and the impact on her family.