Two people leave Freemen property

Hopes for peaceful resolution grow

April 6, 1996
Web posted at: 10:15 p.m. EST

JORDAN, Montana (CNN) -- U.S. Attorney Sherry Matteucci confirmed Saturday that two people left the Freemen ranch Friday night and said she was optimistic that the 13-day standoff would end peacefully.

"It's a very hopeful time," Matteucci said.

Sources said Val Stanton and her daughter Mariah, 5, were picked up by Stanton's father, Butch Anderson, at the ranch compound the Freemen call "Justus Township."

Stanton is the wife of Ebert Stanton, one of the remaining leaders in the compound.

There were indications that other members of the separatist group holed up on the ranch may soon end their standoff. Law enforcement sources told CNN that three to five more Freemen might choose to leave the ranch before Sunday.

The new developments follow two days of meetings between insiders and outside negotiators.

Friday's meeting in a motor home on the ranch property lasted two hours and ended with a handshake. There were no negotiations Saturday.

Montana Attorney General Joe Mazurek said some of those inside may have less to worry about than others.

"Many inside do not face serious charges at all," he said. "It really would be in their interest to come out."

He said about 24 men, women and children remain on the ranch. Of those, nine men face federal indictments for check fraud and threatening public officials.

An emotional Carol Hellyer, whose sister Agnes Stanton is still in the farmhouse, told reporters that there were "a lot of good people in there." "They're not all kooks as they are portrayed to be," she said. (111K AIFF sound or 111K WAV sound)

The standoff began March 25 after federal agents arrested two Freemen leaders, LeRoy Schweitzer, 57, and Daniel Petersen, 53. A third Freeman, Richard E. Clark, surrendered to FBI agents last Saturday.

Neighbors have said the Freemen have stockpiled weapons and enough food and supplies to last months.

CNN Correspondents Don Knapp and Susan Candiotti contributed to this report

Related Stories

• Signs of progress raise hopes of end to Freemen standoff - April 6
• Officials hopeful after talks with Freemen - April 5
• 'Delicate discussions' take place at Freemen ranch - April 5
• State officials hold talks with Freemen - April 4
• Bail unlikely for Freemen suspect - April 3
• Freemen relative warns against using force - April 2
• Montana Freemen member uncooperative in court - April 1
• Freemen sympathizers to stage rally - April 1

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