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Polygamist Hearing Has Chaotic First Day

State plans to relocate sect's 416 children

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2008 5:07 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Lawyers for the state of Texas told a chaotic, objection-filled hearing today they would press for psychiatric evaluations and genetic testing of all members of a polygamist sect, the New York Times reports. On the first day of a custody hearing to determine the fate of the sect's 416 children, the state said it also plans to relocate the youths to another part of Texas for the duration of the trial.

Hundreds of lawyers present in the courtroom and watching by live video feed brought a flood of objections while the state tried to present evidence. "It is a huge logistical problem today,” said Tom Vick, who helped secure lawyers for the children. The state hopes to strip parents of custody and place the children in foster homes. The hearing continues today.

In this Thursday, April 17, 2008 sketch by artist Brigitte Woosley, family members of members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are seen during a child custody hearing.
In this Thursday, April 17, 2008 sketch by artist Brigitte Woosley, family members of members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are seen during a child custody hearing.   (AP Photo/Artist Brigitte Woosley)
This photo Thursday, April 3, 2008 shows an armored personnel carrier on property neighboring the Yearning For Zion ranch near Eldorado, Texas.
This photo Thursday, April 3, 2008 shows an armored personnel carrier on property neighboring the Yearning For Zion ranch near Eldorado, Texas.   (AP Photo/Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
In this sketch by artist Brigitte Woosley, Judge Barbara Walther, second from left, and attorney Marc Connelly are seen during a custody hearing in San Angelo, Texas.
In this sketch by artist Brigitte Woosley, Judge Barbara Walther, second from left, and attorney Marc Connelly are seen during a custody hearing in San Angelo, Texas.   (AP Photo)
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leave the Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo, Texas, Thursday, April 17, 2008.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leave the Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo, Texas, Thursday, April 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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El Dorado residents recall the day the polygamists arrived
Time

Many polygamists keep a lower profile than the Yearning for Zion crowd
Associated Press

 
Texas • child abuse • polygamy • Mormonism • Child Protective Services • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Yearning for Zion ranch

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