Mom thwarts South Salt Lake kidnapping
Tuesday, David James Bell was charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of first-degree child kidnapping and burglary, a second-degree felony.
On Friday, July 4, the family of a 2-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy had invited people, including Bell, their next-door neighbor, over for a party, according to police. The parents entertained party guests outside but frequently checked on their children sleeping on the sofa inside, according to court documents and police.
About 6:30 a.m., Tlulu Latu went to check on her children again and discovered the girl was missing. That's when Latu heard what police say only a parent would know: the cries of their own children. Latu went into Bell's house next door and found both her children in his bedroom.
"We don't know what (Bell's) intentions were," said South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller.
Few other details about the incident were revealed Tuesday, including whether the children had been assaulted, although Bell was not charged with assaulting them.
A check of court records showed Bell had only a misdemeanor charge of DUI on his record in 3rd District Court. The charge was later pleaded down to reckless endangerment. He was also taken to court in 2004 for failing to pay child support, according to court records.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
Recent comments
I want to testify against him. I know him personally. How do I...
need to be done | Aug. 12, 2008 at 12:52 a.m.
I applaud the mother for being a hero...what difference does it make...
LADY LUCK | July 22, 2008 at 11:04 a.m.
THE WHOLE TRUE STORY WAS NOT TOLD. TWO MEN WERE SEVERELY BEATEN AND...
TRUDY | July 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
