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Sam Penrod reporting The question of who will have custody of the two young children of murder victim Kristy Ragsdale went back to court today. Eyewitness News was in the courtroom as the judge heard arguments from both sides of the children's family.
After Kristy Ragsdale was gunned down in a church parking lot in Lehi, and her husband was arrested for her murder, the two families appeared to be standing together for the benefit of the couple's children. But two weeks later, that fell apart, and now the future of the two young boys is going to be decided by a judge.
Family members of David Ragsdale, who faces aggravated murder charges, came to court asking for custody of the two boys, ages 4 years and 19 months. Kristy's father was also there, and his attorney wants the boys to remain with Kristy's mother.
Both families were caring for the children until Jan. 20. That's when David's brother refused to return them to Kristy's mother. She went to court and was given custody in an emergency hearing.
The Ragsdales then petitioned the judge to award them custody, arguing that they are best prepared to handle the emotional and financial support of the children. However, after reviewing the case, the judge gave temporary custody to Ann Palizzi, Kristy's mother.
The office of the Guardian Ad-Litem, which is charged with looking out independently for the welfare of the children, will also be involved and supervise the custody.
The case will now go to a judge who will have to determine who should be the guardians for the children until they become adults. That decision is months away.
Meanwhile, the murder case against David Ragsdale will return to court on March 6.
