Wrongful death lawsuit in murder of Susan Powell’s sons continues

Feb 19, 2020, 11:51 PM

Former Washington child protective services social worker Jane Ramon answers questions from attorne...

Former Washington child protective services social worker Jane Ramon answers questions from attorney Anne Bremner in Pierce County Superior Court on Feb. 19, 2020.

TACOMA, Wash. — One by one, attorney Anne Bremner walked through a list of nearly 50 “red flags” that preceded the killings of Charlie and Braden Powell, Susan Powell’s sons, at the hands of their father eight years ago.

Expert testimony marked day two of a wrongful death lawsuit involving the two young boys in a Tacoma courtroom.

The list began with perhaps one of the most telling indicators of the potential for future violence in the Powell family: the disappearance of Josh Powell’s wife, Susan, from the couple’s home in West Valley City, Utah on Dec. 7, 2009.

Red flags and Susan Powell’s sons

“Why was this [a] red flag?” Bremner asked in Pierce County Superior Court on Wednesday.

Jane Ramon, an expert witness called to testify by the legal team representing Susan Powell’s parents Chuck and Judy Cox, offered her answer to the jury.

“Because there’s questions, certainly, as to why the disappearance of these little boys’ mother and what has occurred and has there been any violence to that person in the midst of the disappearance,” Ramon said. “Or is it a murder?”

Josh Powell took his sons and left Utah less than two weeks after Susan Powell’s disappearance, taking up residence with his father, Steve Powell at his home in South Hill, Washington. They were still living there in August of 2011, when police served a search warrant at the home seeking evidence including Susan Powell’s childhood journals.

The following month, Pierce County deputies arrested Steve Powell because of voyeur videos they’d located in the home. The deputies also took Charlie and Braden into protective custody that same day.

Reunification bias

Susan Powell’s sons were subsequently placed by the state in the care of Chuck and Judy Cox, their maternal grandparents. Josh Powell contested the placement and was attempting to regain custody of his sons when, on Feb. 5, 2012, he killed them and himself during a court-authorized visitation.

In their lawsuit, the Coxes have accused state social workers of acting with negligence toward the safety of the boys. Their attorneys contend the state prioritized reunification of children in protective custody over their personal safety.

Ramon called that “reunification bias” on the stand, saying Washington Department of Social and Health Services records from the Powell case exhibited it, “shockingly so.”

Expert witness

Ramon is the first witness to testify in the long-delayed trial, which could last into March. She previously worked for the state of Washington’s child welfare agency. The Cox’s legal team called her to testify as to the “standard of care” typically owed by social workers in child dependency cases.

In court, Ramon pointed to numerous places where she believed Washington’s handling of the Powell case was deficient. Those included a failure to flag the Powell case as one of domestic violence.

“Is murder a form of domestic violence?” Bremner asked.

“The ultimate form,” Jane Ramon replied.

While police did consider Josh Powell the lone suspect in their homicide investigation, detectives never arrested him. Josh Powell was also never charged with any crime related to his wife’s disappearance.

What went right

During cross-examination, an attorney representing the state of Washington, Joseph Diaz, repeatedly pointed Ramon to instances in the record where social workers had collaborated with law enforcement. He also noted West Valley City’s case records were not available to the social workers, due to a court secrecy order in the state of Utah.

“There’s been no evidence presented in this case of any abuse or neglect in Utah of Charlie or Braden,” Diaz said.

Diaz also asked Ramon to offer a list of what she believed the Washington social workers had done right in their dealings with the Powell family. Ramon credited them with coordinating the removals of Charlie and Braden from the home of their grandfather, Steve Powell, as well as with referring them both for therapy.

That praise was undercut though by her final answer to attorney questions.

“Did more things go wrong than went right,” Bremner asked.

“Sadly, yes,” Ramon said.

Resources and related information: 

The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org.

Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

7 hours ago

This photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, shows a small commuter plane t...

Associated Press

Missing commuter plane found crashed on Alaska sea ice and all 10 aboard died, authorities say

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome was located Friday on sea ice, and all 10 people on board died, authorities said. The crash appeared to be one of the deadliest in the state in the last 25 years. Mike […]

8 hours ago

FILE: An eared grebe taken May 18, 2008. at least 15 thousand birds have died at the Great Salt Lak...

Kennedy Camarena and Diana Jones

Thousands of birds dead due to avian influenza at the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have reported at least 15 thousand birds have died at the Great Salt Lake due to avian influenza.

10 hours ago

Ice Castles lit in pink and blue shades like cotton candy...

Michael Houck

Ice Castles close early due to warm weather

A popular winter attraction in Utah is ending early because of the shorter-than-expected winter season.

11 hours ago

Nineteen states sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing ...

ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen states sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing records that contain personal data for millions of Americans.

12 hours ago

Utah flag flying in the wind. A Utah bill known as SB204 could make it harder for judges to block c...

Adam Small

Utah bill could make it harder for judges to block laws that appear unconstitutional

A bill known as SB204 could make it harder for a judge to block laws that appear unconstitutional.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Wrongful death lawsuit in murder of Susan Powell’s sons continues