Graham, Wash. • Charlie and Braden Powell didn’t want to leave their grandparents’ house.
Immersed in play with a young cousin at the home of Chuck and Judy Cox, a home that had become their own in recent months, the boys cried when told it was time for a visit with their father, Josh Powell.
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Funeral services
Funeral arrangements for Josh Powell are pending, according to a cousin, Nathan Leach.
As for Josh Powell’s sons, Charlie and Braden, Leach said Powell family members have agreed to allow Susan Cox Powell’s family to plan those services.
“There is not going to be any opposition or drama,” Leach said of the Coxes planning the funeral for the boys. “I’m hoping everybody just kind of lays off the Coxes and the Powells while they mourn and take care of their respective loved ones.”
No dates for services have been set.
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Many times before they had reminded the boys their dad loved them and really wanted to see them, so once again Chuck and Judy Cox gently persuaded the children.
"I had to talk them into going, which really hurts because look what happened," Judy Cox said Monday.
As the Coxes poured out their grief over the boys’ deaths, law enforcement released new details about the plan Powell formed to murder his sons while also taking his own life in a gasoline-fueled fire.
A voice mail Josh Powell left for family members, which was obtained by ABC News and aired Tuesday on Good Morning America, gives insight to Powell’s actions:
"This is Josh. I’m calling to say goodbye.
"I am not able to live without my sons and I’m not able to go on anymore.
"I’m sorry to everyone I’ve hurt. Goodbye."
Powell also sent emails to family members dictating what to do with his money, utilities and other aspects of his life, said Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer. He also emailed his attorney and a former neighbor who is a pastor.
The only explanation for the deaths Powell gave: "I’m sorry, I can’t live without my boys," Troyer paraphrased. Powell made no mention of his missing wife, Susan Cox Powell.
Powell had even donated boxes of toys and books to charity over the weekend, Troyer said.
Investigators found two 5-gallon gas cans in the home, and gasoline had been spread throughout the house. One of the cans was found with the bodies, Troyer said, adding that investigators are unsure whether the accelerant was spread before or after the boys entered the home.
"Ten gallons would easily take care of that house," Troyer said. Police are still trying to confirm where the gas came from and when it was purchased.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner late Monday listed the cause of death of Josh Powell and his sons as carbon monoxide poisoning. The boys also suffered "chop wounds," which M.E. investigator Melissa Baker called a "significant condition" contributing to their deaths.
Charlie, 7, suffered chop wounds to the neck. Braden, 5, suffered chop wounds to the head and neck. Troyer said a hatchet believed to have been used on the boys was recovered from the scene, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
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Officials react
On Monday morning, the Utah State House of Representatives held a moment of silence in honor of Braden and Charlie Powell.
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff expressed his horror at the crime.
“I’ve witnessed a lot of evil in my 12 years as Attorney General, but Josh Powell murdering his two little boys is the most fiendish act yet,” Shurtleff said in a statement. “Josh Powell’s malevolence is a reminder that our legal/criminal system can sometimes be inadequate.”
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert expressed his condolences “to all those who loved Charlie and Braden Powell.”
“To have two innocent children taken in such a heart-breaking and horrible manner is a tragedy of the greatest proportions,” he said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering as a result of this great loss.”
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire echoed those sentiments.
“I am deeply saddened by reports that two young children, Charles and Braden Powell, lost their life today in a terrible tragedy,” she wrote. “My heart is heavy with their loss and my thoughts go out to the children’s family, friends and schoolmates. This is a very sad day.”
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