Warren Jeffs' accuser ready for round two
 
By: MaryEllen Resendez
ABC 15 KNXV-TV - Phoenix
Warren with Elissa and Allen

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The woman who testified against Warren Jeffs, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, said she'll recall the darkest moments of her life, if it means keeping him behind bars.

"I just can't walk away," said Elissa Wall, who was the key witness in Jeffs' 2007 rape trial.

Wall testified she was only 14-years old when Jeffs forced her to marry her adult cousin.

A marriage prosecutors say resulted in rape.

Prosecutors are still deciding whether to retry Jeffs as an accomplice on rape charges.

If they do, Wall said she will be ready to testify.

"It's definitely something I struggle with. No matter what the internal battle may be going on, I will square my shoulders, stand up and face Warren and look him in the eye," said Wall. "It will be freeing like it was the first time around."

On July 27, 2010, the Utah Supreme Court threw out Jeff's two convictions, citing "serious" errors in instructions given to jurors that deprived Jeffs of a fair trial.

The justices unanimously ruled 5th District Judge James Shumate should not have rejected a defense request to instruct jurors that in order to convict, they must find that in performing a marriage Jeffs knew unwanted sex would take place and intended for a rape to occur.

The decision was a blow to Wall.

"It's a lot more than just closure for me. I want to know a difference was made. I want to know that potentially even one young girl was saved," said Wall.

If prosecutors decide not to retry Jeffs, Wall said it will be disappointing, but she won't blame them.

"The only person who really betrayed me is Warren and that's who will be held accountable."
 
ABC15.com
Originally broadcast August 4, 2010
 
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