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DNA Tests on Polygamists Begin

Officials seek foster home for 416 children

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2008 4:37 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Texas officials begin taking DNA samples today from 416 children removed from a  polygamist sect and from adults who lived with them. The tests will be used to sort out the parentage of the children in the confusing mix of families with multiple mothers on the sprawling Eldorado ranch, reports the Houston Chronicle.

Once samples are collected, all the children will be placed in foster care as an investigation continues into the sect's suspected practice of allowing men to marry underage girls. Officials have confirmed that mothers who were allowed to stay with young children will soon be separated from them. A judge ruled last week that preliminary evidence indicated children were at risk of abuse, and they may be held for at least six more weeks.

Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints file out of the Tom Green County Courthouse following the custody hearing in Friday.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints file out of the Tom Green County Courthouse following the custody hearing in Friday.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
One of the mothers of the FLDS sect whose children have been taken into care by Texas officials. DNA samples will be taken Monday to determine the parentage of 416 children from the ranch.
One of the mothers of the FLDS sect whose children have been taken into care by Texas officials. DNA samples will be taken Monday to determine the parentage of 416 children from the ranch.   (AP Photo/Keith Johnson, Deseret News)
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints file out of the Tom Green County Courthouse following the custody hearing in Friday.
Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints file out of the Tom Green County Courthouse following the custody hearing in Friday.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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DNA downtime to let lawyers do prep work
San Angelo Standard-Times

Tracing the polygamists' family tree
Time

 
marriage • sexual abuse • child custody • FLDS • Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Yearning for Zion ranch • San Angelo • Barbara Walther

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