Josh Powell, Sons Killed in Explosion

A man whose wife disappeared under suspicious circumstances in Utah two years ago has been killed in a fire along with the couple's two young sons. Authorities said Josh Powell intentionally set off the explosion that killed himself and Susan Powell's two children.

Powell had recently lost custody of the two boys to Susan's parents in a court hearing.

According to police reports, a social worker brought 5-year-old Braden and 7-year-old Charles to Powell's Graham, Washington home for a supervised visit. Powell let his sons in the house, but then blocked the social worker from entering.

Social Worker Smelled Gas

The social worker smelled gas fumes coming from the house and called her supervisor moments before the house exploded, fire fighters said.

Apparently, Powell was upset about being ordered by a judge to undergo a psychological examination before he could regain custody of the children. He sent emails to his attorney and to law enforcement officials shortly before the explosion.

Without revealing the contents of the email messages, Pierce County Sheriff spokesperson Sgt. Ed Troyer told reporters, "this is intentional, this is planned...this is a double murder-suicide."

Mysterious Camping Trip

Susan Powell disappeared from the couple's Utah home on December 9, 2009. Josh Powell told investigators that he had taken the two boys on an impromptu camping trip in freezing weather that night and Susan was gone when they returned.

No trace of Susan Powell has ever been found despite extensive searches near her home and near the location Josh Powell told authorities he camped with the boys.

The two boys were removed from Powell's custody after his father, with whom he was living, was arrested on child pornography and voyeurism charges, although there were no accusations against Steven Powell with his grandsons.

Not Unexpected, Grandparents Say

Sgt. Troyer said Steven Powell was placed on suicide watch after being told of the three deaths.

An attorney for Susan Powell's parents, Chuck and Judy Cox, told reporters that Josh Powell's actions were not totally unexpected.

"It's the most horrifying thing you can imagine happening," Steve Downing said. "The Coxes are absolutely devastated. They were always very fearful of him doing something like this, and he did it."

See Also:
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Woman, 2 Boys

Background:
The Susan Cox Powell Case

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Discuss The Susan Powell Case

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^{Photo: Family Photo}