Incest Trial Sheds Light on Polygamy in Utah
Los Angeles Times 4Jun99 L7
By Julie Cart: Times Staff Writer

A trial "not about polygamy" has brought attention to the practice. The recent incest conviction of David Kingston brought a dramatic finale to a story that has been unfolding over the past year.

It began when a 16 year old girl told police she had been beaten by her father, for refusing to continue in her polygamous marriage to his brother. This article recoups much of the story that has come out in various ways since May of 1998.

The trial saw her uncle's first wife testify, as well as a woman believed to be a plural wife. David Kingston will be sentenced on July 9th.

Criminal defence lawyer Ed Brass says he doesn't this case will set any precedents. "I've seen polygamy wax and wane as an issue here. There's horrendous child abuse cases that take place every day and they don't get the attention of this case. I don't think, legally, it will be significant."

A founder of an anti-polygamist group thinks some good will come from the trial. "This gives girls trapped in polygamy the hope that they can escape, they can control their own lives."