Utah Dad Accused of Child Torture After 'Hike from Hell' - Bodycam Analysis

Allegations of Child Torture and Dangerous Hike

• 🎯 Micah Smith, a 32-year-old father of three, faces charges of child torture and aggravated child abuse for allegedly forcing his young children on a dangerous hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
• ⚠️ Prosecutors argue the hike was intentional, possibly fueled by jealousy stemming from an open marriage agreement, rather than a mistake or accident.
• 🏔️ The trail is described as challenging and consistently uphill with steep climbs and rugged terrain, unsuitable for young children, especially during a snowstorm.
• 🥶 Evidence from Smith's phone shows children struggling, complaining, and cold, with one child asking if they would freeze to death.
• 🏥 The four-year-old son suffered a stroke and likely permanent brain damage due to hypothermia, with a body temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit upon arrival at the hospital.

Court Proceedings and Bail Decision

• ⚖️ During a detention hearing, prosecutors argued Smith posed a substantial danger and should remain jailed, citing his alleged actions and past behavior.
• 👨‍⚖️ The judge ordered Smith to remain in jail, denying his attorney's request for pre-trial supervised release with an ankle monitor.
• 📜 Smith faces up to life in prison if convicted of the child abuse and torture charges.

Prior Interactions with Law Enforcement

• 🚨 Bodycam footage reveals a prior arrest in February 2023 for trespassing and fleeing from officers after Smith was found in an abandoned home, allegedly looking for door handles.
• 🚗 In a separate traffic stop just one week before the hike, officers expressed concern for Smith's mental well-being, noting his distress over his wife's infidelity and his desire to hike a mountain despite severe weather.
• 🔫 During the traffic stop, officers found firearms, an axe, and other weapons in Smith's truck, which were temporarily secured for safety reasons.

Hospital Incident and Domestic Violence Allegations

• 🏥 Smith was reportedly trespassed from Primary Children's Hospital for allegedly interfering with his son's medical care by tampering with a tube in his son's head.
• 💥 Prosecutors also claimed Smith has been charged with domestic violence for allegedly attempting to attack his wife with an axe during an argument about their open marriage.