72
ASSOCIATED PRESS
This undated photo released by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office shows Christopher Richard Poulson in Logan, Utah.
OREM, Utah >> A woman is praying for the bodies of her daughter and 3-year-old grandson to be found and returned after the central Utah man accused of killing the two was arrested last week in Hawaii.
In a news conference on Tuesday, Brenda Marsh thanked Orem police for their work in building the case against 28-year-old Christopher Richard Poulson who was arrested over the weekend near Dole Plantation on Oahu.
Poulson killed Emily Almiron, 23, and her son Gabriel in September 2015, then wrapped their bodies in sheets and dumped them in a remote part of Utah, prosecutors said in charges unsealed Monday. The bodies were never located.
Poulson was charged with two counts of aggravated murder and obstructing justice. Poulson left Utah for Hawaii in August after Orem police and the FBI confronted him with the evidence collected over the two-year investigation, prosecutors said.
“Now, because of their expert work, we have answers,” Marsh said. “And we can go forward with the purpose of recovering Emily and Gabriel’s bodies and bringing them home.”
Orem Police Chief Gary Giles said investigators believe the bodies were likely hidden somewhere in central Utah, but he noted they could be anywhere.
Poulson waived his right to an extradition hearing during a Honolulu court appearance on Tuesday, Hawaii News Now reported. Steven Nichols, a Honolulu public defender, said Poulson has maintained his innocence, and he agreed to go back to Utah.
The aggravated murder charges carry the possibility of the death penalty, though prosecutors haven’t indicated if they plan to seek it.
Marsh said her daughter and grandson were in their lives for too short of a time, and the family has experienced deep anguish over the loss.
“But this anguish will never surpass the incredible joy we have that they were ours and we were blessed to be their family,” Marsh said. “They made our lives beautiful and now they are our sweetest, dearest memories.”
—
Star-Advertiser staff contributed to this report.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.