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| Handyman in Smart Case Falls Ill in Prison Cell |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 08/29/2002 |
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A handyman whom police have questioned in the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart was in critical condition and on life support after experiencing breathing problems in his prison cell, officials said. Richard Albert Ricci, 48, called officers Tuesday evening and told them he had trouble breathing, state Corrections spokesman Jack Ford said. Officers found Ricci sitting on his bed and while they were talking to him, he passed out. They began resuscitation and he was later flown to University Hospital in Salt Lake City, Ford said. The cause of his illness was not known. Ford said there were no drugs or note found in the cell. Ricci has not been charged in Elizabeth's disappearance, although the girl's father has repeatedly said he thinks Ricci was somehow involved. The 14-year-old was kidnapped by an armed man on June 5 -- one of several high-profile child abductions this summer. Ricci made a brief court appearance earlier Tuesday as his attorneys asked for more time to review theft charges against their client. Third District Judge Paul Maughan granted the request and a hearing was scheduled for September 17. Ricci allegedly stole $3,500 worth of items from the Smarts' home on June 6, 2001. A search of Ricci's home on June 19 turned up jewelry, a perfume bottle and a wine glass filled with seashells that belonged to the Smarts, according to court documents. In addition, he is charged with one count of burglary and another count of theft for allegedly taking items from a home in the Smarts' wealthy neighborhood in April 2001. Jewelry and about $300 in cash were taken during the night burglary from a bedroom as a resident slept in the same room, according to the charges. Ricci, who worked as a handyman in both homes, has pleaded innocent to the thefts and burglary. |
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