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(KSL News) With the arrest of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, some say police need to look into another matter-- why so many children are dying in the small polygamist communities along the Arizona border.
Authorities not connected to the church say there is no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing, but rather with family inter-marriage, some children are born with unusual genetic disorders.
The Southwest Utah Public Health Department says FLDS members are only three percent of the population, but make up 20 percent of the special needs children they see.
There is also a high birthrate leading to a higher number of sickness and accidents.
A former member believes neglect is a major cause.
Flora Jessop/ Former FLDS Member: "I don't know if I can describe the emotions when I see so many graves, and know that we have to work so hard to get people to listen to us."
Death certificates are not made public. But one Arizona legislator touring the cemeteries says he would be interested in changing the law to find out the causes of these deaths.
