| New court photograph gives new hints to contents of Warren Jeffs' note | |
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By Brent Hunsaker ABC 4 News | |
Did Jeffs write "I am not the prophet"? Blow up the full resolution version of a digital photograph of Warren Jeffs standing at the defense table and you can see the writing on a note in his hand. On Wednesday evening ABC 4 requested an examination of the photo by a graphics artist, a handwriting expert and a former FBI agent. They had only limited time to complete their work. But there was consensus on some words and one phrase. The key is on the third line. In the middle of the line we believe is the word "Prophet." It is followed by what appears to be the phrase, "I am not the Prophet." The last word of the phrase is on the next line. Other words are also apparent, but they do not provide additional clues to the note's meaning: "church" and "authority." Here's the context for the photo. It is the end of a day-long hearing on three defense motions. Judge James Shumate has just asked attorneys if there is anything else that should be brought before the court. Warren Jeffs stands and asks to approach the bench. Judge Shumate says no. Jeffs continues saying he has a "matter" to take care of...Judge Shumate says any matter can be handled by his attorneys. Defense attorney Wally Bugden takes the note from Jeffs and he is escorted out of the courtroom by bailiffs. The few words we were able to pick out from the photo appear to substantiate an alleged jailhouse recording of a conversation between Warren Jeffs and his brother, Nephi. The Deseret News reports Warren Jeffs confessed that he was not a prophet, was never called of God and had no authority. The News also says that recording in now in the hands of Washington County prosecutors. The impact of the note on the trial is unclear. Jeffs is not charged with being a prophet. He"s charged with rape as an accomplice for the forced marriage of a 14-year-old girl to her adult 1st cousin. However, it may have bearing on the question of his well being. Based on Jeffs' recent appearance and actions, courtroom observers expressed concern for his health. There are rumors the judge has already received one medical briefing and will soon get another. But those briefings would likely be held behind closed doors and their findings "sealed." Back in January, Jeffs was taken from jail to the emergency room at a St. George hospital. A Washington County Sheriff's spokesman would not comment on the nature of the medical problem, saying only that doctors had run "some tests" and cleared him to return to jail. For now, the next hearing date for Jeffs remains April 23rd. brent@abc4.com | |
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ABC4.com Originally broadcast April 4, 2007 | |
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