Missing mom's father-in-law: My son is the scapegoat

Steven Powell told The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday from his home in Puyallup, Wash., that the investigation into Susan Powell's disappearance has turned his son, Josh Powell, into a scapegoat.

"The whole thing has just turned into a vilification of Josh and it will turn into a vilification of me, my ex-wife and my other kids," Steven Powell said through the partially open front door of his home. "I'm not making any statement because it doesn't matter how benign it is or how supportive it is. Somebody will twist it around."

On Monday, West Valley City Police Capt. Tom McLachlan said an anonymous donor is offering up to $10,000 for original information that may lead them to Susan Powell.

Susan Powell was last seen on Dec. 7, when Josh Powell says he left their suburban home in West Valley City about 12:30 a.m. to take their two boys, ages 2 and 4, camping in freezing conditions.

She was reported missing the same day when she failed to show up for her stockbroker job and her children were not dropped off at day care.

Josh Powell has not been named a suspect in the case. On Sunday, he attended a candlelight vigil in Washington, although he did not speak to reporters or Susan Powell's family.

Susan Powell's father, Charles Cox, told KOMO News he was "confused about what was going on" by Josh's presence at the vigil.

"I heard that Joshua (the husband) had arrived," he wrote on a Facebook page. "I saw this (sic) brother doing an interview, I couldn't really understand why Josh was there."

Cox and Josh Powell have barely spoken since Susan Powell was reported missing, although Cox has defended Josh Powell as a good father.

"I just want him to talk with, uh, to tell us the information he knows and help us find her," said Cox, adding he misses his daughter and grandchildren. "I would really like to see them. I would love to see the grandchildren."

Josh Powell's attorney, Scott Williams, told The Associated Press he had no new information Monday.

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