SALT LAKE CITY — A friend is speaking out in support of Josh Powell, the man police consider the sole person of interest in the disappearance of his wife nearly two weeks ago.
Wayne Hamberg of Salt Lake City said Josh and Susan Powell had problems like any other couple, but he never saw any signs of domestic violence or serious issues.
He said the media shouldn’t convict Josh Powell, and he disagrees that his friend has been evasive in television interviews.
“Everyone has beaten on him so badly, including his family,” Hamberg told the Deseret News. “He’s on functional shutdown. He’s emotionally shook up. The only thing he’s holding on to is his kids.”
Susan Powell has been missing since Dec. 7. Josh Powell told police he last saw her at 12:30 a.m. that day when he took his two young boys on a camping trip and left her at home. He failed to show up at work that day. Police have called him a person of interest and said he was not forthcoming in two interviews with detectives.
Hamberg, who belongs to a computer club with Josh Powell, said his friend was at his house as recently as Tuesday.
“He was so distraught,” Hamberg said. “He could either be completely overwhelmed or ridden with guilt. I’d like to believe he’s innocent.”
Meanwhile, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Saturday that police are seeking copies of Josh Powell’s interviews with TV reporters, including excerpts that have not been broadcast. ABC 4 reported it had received a subpoena for the footage. KSL also confirmed police have asked for copies of its interview with him.
