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Texas Keeps Sect Kids for DNA Testing

Polygamous ranch forced children to obey, psychiatrist testifies

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2008 8:20 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A judge ruled today that 416 kids seized at a polygamous ranch in Texas will be held for genetic testing, the San Angelo Standard-Times reports. At the end of a 2-day custody hearing, Judge Barbara Walther said the tests were needed to sort out relationships between the sect's parents and children. Earlier, a psychiatrist testified that the kids “have the thinking patterns of a much younger child,” the Houston Chronicle reports.

He also accused the sect of brainwashing kids into obedience, the AP reports: "Compliance is being godly, it's part of their honoring God," he said. Defense attorneys at the crowded hearing accused Texas officials of probing child abuse at the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints ranch too aggressively, and failing to identify how the children and parents are related.

A Texas State Trooper patrols members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at their temporary housing.
A Texas State Trooper patrols members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at their temporary housing.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Ellen Griffith walks out of the Tom Green County Courthouse with a member of her team following the first full day of custody hearings involving a polygamous sect in San Angelo, Texas, Thursday, April 17, 2008.
Ellen Griffith walks out of the Tom Green County Courthouse with a member of her team following the first full day of custody hearings involving a polygamous sect in San Angelo, Texas, Thursday, April...   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk into a courthouse in San Angelo, Texas, Thursday, April 17, 2008.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk into a courthouse in San Angelo, Texas, Thursday, April 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
In this artist rendering, members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are shown in court in San Angelo, Texas Friday, April 18, 2008.
In this artist rendering, members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are shown in court in San Angelo, Texas Friday, April 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Brigitte Woosley)
A sheriffs deputy walks near a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints outside a courthouse in San Angelo, Texas Friday, April 18, 2008.
A sheriffs deputy walks near a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints outside a courthouse in San Angelo, Texas Friday, April 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are seen at their temporary housing in San Angelo, Texas, Monday, April 7, 2008.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are seen at their temporary housing in San Angelo, Texas, Monday, April 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
FLDS member makes her way through a crush of media, as she arrives at a hearing at the 51st District Courthouse in San Angelo, Texas.
FLDS member makes her way through a crush of media, as she arrives at a hearing at the 51st District Courthouse in San Angelo, Texas.   (AP Photo/The Salt Lake Tribune, Trent Nelson)
Attorney Gerry Goldstein, left, who is representing the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Attorney Gerry Goldstein, left, who is representing the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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polygamy • Warren Jeffs • psychiatrist • FLDS • Child Protective Services • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • San Angelo • expert testimony

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