Judge Grants Custody of Kingston's Daughter to Other Family

Associated Press/July 26, 2004

Salt Lake City -- A judge today gave custody of one of polygamist John Daniel Kingston's children to another of the child's relatives.

Last month, the state determined that Kingston had abused his 13-year-old daughter, and the girl's mother, Heidi Mattingly -- formerly known as Heidi Foster -- had neglected her by NOT stopping the abuse.

Today, a judge agreed with the girl's petition to grant permanent custody to Mattingly's brother and sister-in-law, Justin and Shauna Mattingly.

The judge also scheduled future hearings to determine the amount of child support that Kingston must pay, and to determine if Heidi Mattingly and Kingston have been in contempt of a court order to schedule visits of the girl's siblings with her.

The state also is alleging that Heidi Mattingly is repeatedly driving past her brother's home.