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Utah Dad Ripped Apart for Ditching Kids on Hike from Hell

2025-12-04 Entertainment
265.0k
7.2k
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Law&Crime Network
Law&Crime Network
7.6m subscribers

Utah Father Denied Pre-Trial Release After Allegedly Forcing Children on Near-Fatal Freezing Hike

Explore the harrowing evidence, including video proof and a father’s admission, that convinced a judge Micah Smith is too dangerous for pre-trial release. Learn the specific felony charges—child torture and aggravated abuse—filed against him.

Short Summary

  • Father Micah Smith faces six first-degree felonies for a freezing mountain ordeal involving his three young children.
  • A judge determined Smith presents a significant safety risk, denying pre-trial supervised release pending the next detention hearing.
  • Evidence includes a daughter questioning if they would freeze to death and the four-year-old son found unresponsive with a 62°F body temperature.
  • Contextual factors, including prior mental health issues and alleged hospital interference, strengthened the state's argument for detention.

This report dissects the initial court proceedings where prosecutors argued against bail, citing horrifying details from the Declarations of Probable Cause. It covers the alleged neglect, the children's critical medical status upon rescue, and contextual evidence of prior concerning behavior.

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Description

Utah father Micah Smith allegedly forced his three young children—ages 2, 4, and 8—on a nine-mile mountain hike in freezing conditions, leaving two fighting for their lives. Charged with six first-degree felonies, Smith faced a judge for the first time since the arrest. Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber breaks down the shocking evidence, the harrowing video from the hike, and why the court decided he’s too dangerous to be released. The best way to cook just got better. Go to https://hellofresh.com/SIDEBAR10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Become a Law&Crime YouTube Member for Exclusive Perks: https://bit.ly/LCMembersOnly Subscribe to Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/LawAndCrimeNetwork Become a Sponsor of Law&Crime's Leading Shows: https://lawandcrime.com/sales/ Listen to Law&Crime's Sidebar Podcast on Apple & Spotify: Apple: https://apple.co/3wMgRgB Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3wITe7b Host: Jesse Weber: https://twitter.com/jessecordweber LAW&CRIME SIDEBAR PRODUCTION: Head of Social Media and YouTube Operations - Vanessa Bein Head of Sales - Sam Goldberg Senior Producer - Savannah Williamson Senior Producer - Juliana Battaglia Technical Producer - Nick McGeough Video Editing - Michael Deininger, Christina O’Shea, Jay Cruz Guest Booking - Diane Kaye & Alyssa Fisher #Utah #Hike #LawAndCrime STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK: Watch Law&Crime Network on YouTubeTV: https://bit.ly/3td2e3y Where To Watch Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3akxLK5 Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LawandCrimeNewsletter Read Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3td2Iqo Submit Tips to Law&Crime: [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries, Please Contact: [email protected] For Licensing Inquiries, Please Contact: [email protected] LAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawandcrime/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawCrimeNetwork Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawandcrime Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lawandcrimenetwork TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawandcrime LAW&CRIME NETWORK PODCASTS: https://lawandcrime.com/podcasts/ SUBSCRIBE TO ALL OF LAW&CRIME NETWORK YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LawAndCrime/ BodyCam: https://www.youtube.com/@lawandcrimebodycam Trials: https://www.youtube.com/@lawandcrimetrials Investigates: https://www.youtube.com/@LawAndCrimeInvestigates Scandal: https://www.youtube.com/@scandalousnews

Top Comments (10)

@theredbarron100 2025-12-04

I’m of the opinion that he intended for them to die

5.5k 192 replies
@WarmestComputer 2025-12-04

Can you imagine the horror of that 8 year old left with the responsibility to keep her siblings alive that are actively dying, while her father leaves her. That man was trying to kill those kids.

3.2k 63 replies
@ToadToss 2025-12-04

That comment about how it was difficult “without a second parent”… he did this on purpose to punish his wife.

2.3k 73 replies
@DianaBozarth-ut6lj 2025-12-04

I don't see how you can't see this as attempted murder.

2.2k 38 replies
@Littlebirdie886 2025-12-04

Phone worked, but he never called 911? Go ahead and add attempted murder

659 12 replies
@LaurenGugucachoo 2025-12-04

He 100% intended for all of the kids to die. I truly hope they don’t ever let him near them again.

602 2 replies
@dharmaslife 2025-12-08

He looks confused. This is apparently the first time he’s ever had consequences for his actions.

360 5 replies
@onepartlullaby42 2025-12-06

He abused his children to be spiteful to their mother

355 17 replies
@ats-3693 2025-12-07

He was texting his wife telling her what was happening? He was definitely trying to hurt his wife by hurting the kids.

95
@LawAndCrime 2025-12-03

The best way to cook just got better. Go to https://hellofresh.com/SIDEBAR10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

48 12 replies

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