posted on March 14, 2003 12:58:50 PM new
SALT LAKE CITY -- Seven weeks after Elizabeth Smart disappeared, the man accused of abducting her might have tried to kidnap her 18-year-old cousin, investigators said today.
According to a July 24 sheriff's report, the screen on Jessica Wright's bedroom window was cut during the night and a chair was left beneath it. Jessica has been described as Elizabeth's favorite cousin.
A chair also was found under the kitchen window at the Smarts' home after Elizabeth disappeared from her bedroom about 2 a.m. on June 5. Elizbeth's father, Ed Smart, has said the window screen was cut from the outside.
The family has said the incident at the Wright residence was too strange to be merely a coincidence.
"We are now screening the entire case with the district attorney," said Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard.
"It's more than a coincidence," he said. "You have this cousin who looks like Elizabeth and is good friends with Elizabeth."
