How a dangerous hike led to Child Torture Charges against a Utah father; and Utah's Growing Bear Problem

A Utah father accused of putting his three young children in danger during a hike in harsh weather conditions could soon have contact with his children for the first time in months. On this episode of KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos takes a closer look at the case against Micah Smith, the allegations that led prosecutors to file child torture charges, and the legal threshold required to bring such a serious accusation. KSL NewsRadio's Adam Small joins the conversation with the latest developments, and KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas breaks down how Utah law defines child torture and why this case is drawing so much attention.

 

We also cover the top three stories shaping your day, including the ongoing investigation following a deadly shooting in Kearns, a proposed Granite School District tax increase and the opening of a new mental health treatment center in Murray.

 

Plus, Utah wildlife officials are seeing a rise in bear encounters as dry conditions push animals into new areas. We'll hear about a black bear that caused a stir in Logan over the weekend and learn where bears are showing up across the state.