A South Jordan father facing charges of torturing and endangering his young children during a mountain hike will remain behind bars following a Tuesday court hearing where prosecutors labeled him a significant safety threat.
Micah Smith, 31, appeared virtually before 3rd District Court on Tuesday morning, where Commissioner Todd Olsen issued a protective order prohibiting any contact with his children. Smith’s request for release from custody was firmly rejected by both prosecutors and the court.
Prosecution Calls Release a “Hard No”
When Smith inquired about the possibility of being released from jail, prosecutor Clifford Ross delivered an unequivocal response, characterizing it as a clear denial. Ross argued that the defendant represents a considerable safety risk to his alleged victims.
Commissioner Olsen concurred with the prosecution’s assessment after reviewing the evidence.
“Substantial evidence supports the charges against you, Mr. Smith,” Olsen stated. “I find by a clear and convincing standard that you would pose a danger to the alleged victims if released today.”
While Olsen indicated circumstances could potentially change, Smith will remain in Salt Lake County custody at least until his detention hearing scheduled for December 8 before Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills.
Smith questioned whether he could take any actions to demonstrate he poses no threat. Olsen directed him to discuss such matters with his legal counsel, noting that the day’s proceedings had concluded with the decisions rendered.
Mountain Hike Turns Catastrophic
According to charging documents filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, Smith took his three children, ages 2, 4, and 8, on a hike through Big Cottonwood Canyon on October 11. As weather conditions deteriorated, Smith allegedly forced his children to continue traversing dangerous terrain despite his wife’s pleas to return home.
“As conditions worsened and the children became frightened, he continued in a depraved manner to expose them to that risk as those conditions changed,” Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated last week.
The family spent the night in snowy mountain conditions. When search and rescue teams located them, prosecutors reported that Smith exhibited odd behavior and showed no apparent concern for his children’s wellbeing.
Critical Medical Emergency
All three children required hospitalization following their rescue. The 4-year-old’s condition was particularly alarming. According to charging documents, the child was mostly exposed to the elements, unconscious, and appeared lifeless when discovered. Medical personnel could detect no pulse initially.
Investigators documented that the child’s body temperature measured just 62 degrees Fahrenheit upon discovery, indicating severe hypothermia requiring immediate medical intervention.
Pattern of Concerning Behavior
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Smith’s behavior extends beyond this single incident. They characterized his actions as part of a spiraling pattern of concerning conduct.
Smith was arrested and charged with assault in a separate domestic violence case last month. Additionally, hospital staff at Primary Children’s Hospital issued a trespass order against him for interfering with one of his children’s medical care, according to prosecutors.
These additional incidents contributed to the court’s decision to deny release, painting a picture of escalating risk factors that concerned both prosecutors and judicial officials.
Legal Proceedings Moving Forward
The protective order issued Tuesday establishes clear boundaries preventing Smith from any form of contact with his children while the case proceeds through the legal system. This measure aims to ensure the children’s safety during the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Smith’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 8, when Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills will conduct a detention hearing to determine whether he should remain in custody throughout the trial process. At that hearing, defense counsel may present evidence or arguments regarding Smith’s potential release under specific conditions.
The serious nature of the charges, combined with the prosecution’s assessment of Smith as a safety risk and the evidence of his children’s severe injuries, suggests authorities will continue advocating for his detention pending trial.
Community Response and Child Safety
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of mountain recreation during inclement weather and the critical importance of prioritizing children’s safety over recreational objectives. Big Cottonwood Canyon, while popular for hiking and outdoor activities, can present serious hazards when weather conditions change rapidly, particularly in October when winter storms can arrive suddenly.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of parental responsibility when engaging in outdoor activities with young children, particularly regarding recognizing when conditions become too dangerous to continue and making appropriate decisions to ensure child safety.
As the case proceeds through the judicial system, it will test how courts balance parental rights against child protection when allegations involve such severe endangerment that resulted in life-threatening medical emergencies.
