For the people here who know Chad, I can't imagine what you are going through and am so sorry for that.
This case at its core is about a conspiracy. A conspiracy with a very sad outcome of three dead adults and two missing children who are likely dead. That conspiracy includes Chad as a willing participant. He could have stopped it at any time by walking into the nearest police station. He did not. He happily went along, dancing on the beach with his new bride with no kids, laughing and playing the freaking ukulele. Until he got caught.
He's a POI in the disappearance of two innocent children. Threading the needle on Chad's participation to try and mitigate his guilt is just not fair to those kids.
MOO
Edited a bit.
I’m a full day behind on this thread, and this has likely been beaten to death by now. I hope all parties have agreed to disagree and continue to participate in discussion and respectful debate.
Clearly Chad has some level of culpability here. On one hand it’s possible (however unlikely) he’s completely been snowed and refused to cooperate w/LE believing he’s protecting his new wife’s children, and has no knowledge of where they actually are. At the other extreme he may not only have killed his wife but orchestrated the murder of at least two other adults, the attempted murder of one and is responsible for the disappearance and possible death of two children.
I have my opinion on where his responsibility falls but I’ll save that for another post.
My point here is people who have known Chad for years, be they friends or family, are in a tough spot. It’s reasonable to want to give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt. In fact some might expect our friends would do the same for us. The law requires people be presumed innocent until proven guilty and Chad hasn’t even been charged w/a crime yet (that I’m aware of, like I said I’m a day behind).
I’m trying not to fault someone for pointing out mitigating factors or other theories that minimize Chad’s criminal intent. One of the reasons I’m here is to examine facts and discuss various scenarios that fit the facts. I think WS is stronger for it, and I don’t want to see people close to this case leave us because they no longer feel welcome.
Those of you who remember me from the Watts case may find it ironic that I’m encouraging comments from the “other side”. Yes, I was one of the biggest critics when Watts advocates spoke out. But for those posters defending Watts meant bashing Shan’anns character and accusing her of all sorts of heinous behavior. It was based on hate, lies and speculation, not facts.
In this case those giving Chad the benefit of the doubt are not insulting Tammy or any of the victims or their families. IIRC they’re not even insisting Chad is innocent. They are merely pointing out the possibility. As his friend, until more facts come out I believe that’s their right.
While I think it’s good that people close to POIs join us in our discussions, in this case I think it’s particularly important. Chad supporters are outnumbered on this board, but I don’t know that they’ll be as outnumbered in Rexburg. I imagine there’s a good chance many in Chad’s Ward will stand behind him at least until he’s arrested. Maybe not. It’s too soon to tell.
There is an entire town no doubt full of good people struggling w/the same issue. I feel bad for the whole town. Those of us us on this board are not going to be able to squash local sentiment. IMO it’s best we try to understand it as local social dynamics will no doubt influence the investigation and may even provide insight into the crimes themselves. Possibly some that we’re not even aware of yet.
Let’s debate. Let’s be respectful. Let’s stick to facts. And let’s find those kids!
Finally, a word to those who know Chad and other POIs—please understand that there are people here genuinely worried for you. Worried for your physical safety/emotional well-being and afraid you may get sucked into dangerous, magical thinking. Please be careful.