The Wendell Musser story
For more than a year, I'd written stories that hinted at how Warren Jeffs might be traveling around and eluding capture. It was amazing to be able to hear a first-hand account from Wendell Musser, who spent months in hiding as a courier and caretaker for Jeffs' family.
You can access the story here: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_577817
Wendell is just one of dozens of men who've been separated from their families. Only a few have stepped forward to fight for the right to be a father to their children. Actually, I am aware of only one: Richard Holm, a former polygamist who was kicked out in 2004 by Jeffs. Richard went to court to ensure he had visitation and some say in his children's upbringing.
Some men have been able to negotiate access to their children with their former wives, who remain in the FLDS community. But many more have walked away.
I am a little surprised by the reaction of some to the story about Wendell's marriage to Vivian. It was an appointed marriage, but Wendell describes it as a happy one. Perhaps Vivian has a different take; hopefully, some day I'll be able to report on the conclusion of their story. For now, Wendell has put the credibility of his version of their relationship on the line in a lawsuit and news report.
One reader wondered how happy Vivian might be when her husband took other wives. Many men in the FLDS community are monogamists. Some of those who have plural wives never had a say about the matter. And some, men and women alike, embrace the lifestyle.
What I know is Wendell, who has left the FLDS faith, wants a chance to reunite with and prove his love to one woman: Vivian.
One other tidbit from my interview with Wendell. Nine months have passed since Jeffs' arrest, but the fact he was wearing shorts when captured still surprises even former supporters.
While Jeffs wore regular clothes while in hiding, he apparently wore -- and stressed the importance of wearing -- sacred undergarments. Wendell asked me during our interview if Jeffs was wearing his garments under his shorts.
When I said no, that wasn't possible, he shook his head in amazement.
You can access the story here: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_577817
Wendell is just one of dozens of men who've been separated from their families. Only a few have stepped forward to fight for the right to be a father to their children. Actually, I am aware of only one: Richard Holm, a former polygamist who was kicked out in 2004 by Jeffs. Richard went to court to ensure he had visitation and some say in his children's upbringing.
Some men have been able to negotiate access to their children with their former wives, who remain in the FLDS community. But many more have walked away.
I am a little surprised by the reaction of some to the story about Wendell's marriage to Vivian. It was an appointed marriage, but Wendell describes it as a happy one. Perhaps Vivian has a different take; hopefully, some day I'll be able to report on the conclusion of their story. For now, Wendell has put the credibility of his version of their relationship on the line in a lawsuit and news report.
One reader wondered how happy Vivian might be when her husband took other wives. Many men in the FLDS community are monogamists. Some of those who have plural wives never had a say about the matter. And some, men and women alike, embrace the lifestyle.
What I know is Wendell, who has left the FLDS faith, wants a chance to reunite with and prove his love to one woman: Vivian.
One other tidbit from my interview with Wendell. Nine months have passed since Jeffs' arrest, but the fact he was wearing shorts when captured still surprises even former supporters.
While Jeffs wore regular clothes while in hiding, he apparently wore -- and stressed the importance of wearing -- sacred undergarments. Wendell asked me during our interview if Jeffs was wearing his garments under his shorts.
When I said no, that wasn't possible, he shook his head in amazement.
Labels: FLDS, marriage, Warren Jeffs, Wendell Musser
3 Comments:
I feel that Wendell has a perfect right to see his family, and hear it from Vivian whether she wants to be with him or not. He certainly has a right to see his son. I feel that the story was a good one, and if people do not have anything to hide, they should not criticize Wendell for wanting to see his family. Good luck, Wendell!
Here we once again see a perfect example of the evil that is Warren Jeffs, and his sorry excuse for a religion. He separates people from their families , people that were working to take care of part of his "family"- part of his huge harem- I wonder- will some of Warren's offspring end up as cruel and cold as their infamous father?
I dearly hope little Levi will soon see his daddy, and I dearly hope that Warren Jeffs will never again be a free man. He has committed so many grievous crimes against so many innocent people.
The difference between Warren Jeffs and King David (who took Bathsheba while her faithful husband was serving David) is that David cried out to God for forgiveness... but people have to sue Jeffs, and he still offers no apologies or attempts to right his many wrongs... Warren Jeffs has committed so many evil deeds during his time of seeing himself as God.... but now they are saying he does not believe he is a prophet anymore....Wow! Guess what? People like me believe poor little Warren is just trying to get out of facing all the things he has done.He was never any kind of special man- just a bully, and a very cowardly one, at that.
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