A father sets out for what should have been a simple family hike—three kids, a familiar canyon, a day in the mountains. But by nightfall, it had spiraled into a near-fatal ordeal that left two young children fighting for their lives and investigators questioning everything about his decisions. Text messages, photos, and heartbreaking statements from the children now paint a picture far more disturbing than a tragic accident. Was this adventure gone wrong… or reckless endangerment that crossed into something darker?

About Hidden True Crime

What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.

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Sources:
Charging Documents
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/us/utah-dad-child-abuse-hike.html
https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/northern-utah/utah-father-who-went-missing-with-3-children-on-hike-charged-with-child-torture-abuse
https://nypost.com/2025/11/27/us-news/utah-dad-micah-smith-charged-with-child-torture-after-taking-children-hiking-resulting-in-them-missing-and-hospitalized/
https://www.abc4.com/news/crimes-against-children/father-big-cottonwood-hiker-missing-torture/amp/
https://people.com/utah-dad-who-got-stranded-on-hike-with-3-kids-charged-with-child-abuse-11858399
https://globalnews.ca/news/11546661/utah-father-child-abuse-charges-hike-kids/amp/
https://www.ksl.com/article/51411042/extremely-selfish-dad-charged-with-taking-young-kids-on-dangerous-hike-that-ended-in-a-rescue
https://gephardtdaily.com/local/father-who-took-children-on-mountain-hike-in-snowstorm-arrested-for-alleged-child-torture-intentional-abuse/

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