Cops Says Husband of Missing Mom Susan Powell 'Hindering' Probe

Dec. 15, 2009 — -- Frustrated cops today accused the husband of missing Utah mom Susan Powell of "hindering" the investigation into her disappearance.

The police in West Valley City, Utah, spoke out the day after Joshua Powell skipped a meeting with investigators for what would have been his second interview with them. Powell did not alert the officers that he wouldn't be showing up for the interview.

Police have been trying to find Susan Powell, 28, since she vanished more than a week ago.

"It is our position he's been hindering the investigation," West Valley City Police Capt. Tom McLachlan told ABCNews.com

McLachlan said Joshua Powell is not considered a suspect or a person of interest. "However, he is the last person we know who saw Susan," the captain said.

Police said they are now working through the high profile criminal lawyer Scott Williams who Joshua Powell recently hired to represent him.

"This has the potential to delay the investigation by several days or longer," McLachlan said.

Earlier today, Susan Powell's father Charles Cox indicated to "Good Morning America" that his faith in his son-in-law was wavering.

"I asked him if he had any idea where his wife, my daughter Susan, would be. And he said he didn't. He was sincere sounding when he said that. I believed that," Cox told "GMA."

When asked if he still believed his son-in-law, Cox replied, "I don't know what to think anymore."

Others are also confused by Joshua Powell's actions, like hiring a lawyer.

"It kind of raises a red flag, but I know he has to protect himself," neighbor Wendy Trujillo told "Good Morning America." "We're just really worried about Susan, and, of course, everyone's thinking the worst and just hoping by the faith of God that she does come back."

Susan Powell has been missing since Dec. 6. Joshua Powell told police he left his wife at home to take their two young sons on a late-night camping trip in the woods and she was gone when they returned. He and the two boys, age 4 and 2, were also believed to be missing initially but returned home the following afternoon.

The temperature that night was between 10 and 25 degrees with rain and snow.