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PUYALLUP, Wash. -- It has been an unbelievably rough couple of days as the family of Charlie and Braden Powell -- and the community at large -- deal with the boys' murders at the hands of their father Josh Powell, a turn so horrible no one could imagine. But as hard as it is to believe, the grandparents of Charlie and Braden say they had worried Josh might do something drastic.
Chuck Cox calls Josh's actions pure evil. Sitting in Charlie and Braden's room, said his family is finding strength in knowing the boys are now with their mother
"We believe that she is safe in her heavenly father's arms and the children are there with her. There has been a reunion," he said.
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Last night the Cox family learned the horrifying details of how Charlie and Braden died. It was a new low for the family.
"I thought that maybe he didn't want them to suffer, but what's worse, hitting them with a blunt object, or burning them in a fire," he said. "Which way is worse -- both ways you're taking innocent life for no reason, no reason."
Cox says he asked child protective services Washington to assign a second social worker to the Powell case. He was fearful Josh was unstable.
"I'm annoyed. I'm upset that they did not listen, but the social workers deal with a lot," he said
We believe that she is safe in her heavenly father's arms and the children are there with her. There has been a reunion.
–Chuck Cox
He said before their deaths, the boys were opening up, sharing more about their mother. In October, the Cox's learned that Braden had drawn a picture while at summer camp in 2010: it was of the last time he saw his mother. According to Cos, the picture was of Braden, Charlie and Josh, and unprompted, Braden said that his mother was in the trunk.
Police won't comment about the picture, or about other details of Susan's case, but they say they are now going to question Steven Powell about it.
"I am sure with two years in the same household he knew what happened. Josh told him and admitted what happened. I am sure he knows," Cox said.
While police try to find answers, Cox said he is busy planning a funeral which he says will be public, due to the enormity of the case.
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"It's impacted so many people - the teachers, the school employees, the daycare, the doctors, so many people involved. And we just know it has to be a public memorial."
Cox said he is grateful for the community support and hopes those mourning the loss of his two grandchildren will remember how truly innocent and wonderful they were.
For those who wish to donate to the Cox family to help pay for funeral costs, a fund will be set up at Wells Fargo today under the Charlie and Braden Memorial Fund.