Wanda Barzee has pleaded guilty and agreed to fully cooperate with the state of Utah and the United States in the prosecution of her husband, Brian David Mitchell. The guilty plea was expected as part of a plea agreement.
Authorities have recommended a 15-year prison sentence in exchange for her cooperation. "We believe that a sentence of 15 years is just and fair under the circumstances," said Brett Tolman, US attorney for Utah.
Barzee and Mitchell are accused of taking Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom at knifepoint in June of 2002. The then-fourteen year old was found nine months later walking down a main street in Salt Lake City with Barzee and Mitchell. Elizabeth testified last month in a competency hearing for Mitchell that shortly after her abduction, the couple took her to a wooded area behind her home and performed a mock wedding ceremony. She also testified that she was repeatedly raped during her nine months in captivity.
Barzee had only recently been declared competent enough to stand trial in the case. She has been housed at the Utah State Hospital for several years while her competency was determined. The state of Utah had also ruled that she be forcibly medicated.
For more information:
- CNN: Woman pleads guilty in Elizabeth Smart kidnapping
- Salt Lake Tribune: Barzee gets 15 years for Smart abduction
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