In the Elizabeth Smart case, Wanda Eileen Barzee pled guilty Tuesday to kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. Barzee has agreed to a plea deal and will testify against her estranged husband, Brian David Mitchell. According to the plea deal agreement, Barzee will get 15 years in prison but that time began when she was arrested in 2003. This sentence is much lighter than the maximum life sentence she could have received.
In 2003, Barzee's mental competency was questioned. Barzee spent time in a Utah State hospital and was ordered by a court to take anti-psychotic medication. Her competency has been restored and she is now able to stand trial. Her attorney said today that Barzee is a much happier person, and is very light hearted.
In court today, Barzee asked Elizabeth Smart to forgive her for all of the pain she caused. She said that she was "humbled as I realize how much Elizabeth Smart has been victimized and the role that I played in it." "I am so sorry, Elizabeth, for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and your family," Barzee said. "It is my hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me."
Elizabeth Smart, 22 has been preparing to serve a mission in Paris for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Smart was not in court today, but Ed Smart, her father was.
"I just hope that Wanda realizes what she did and that it was absolutely wrong and absolutely horrible," Ed Smart said. He also said that they will as a family forgive her. Elizabeth Smart's mother made a statement earlier this year and said that they could forgive, but that they would never forget.
On October 1, Smart testified at a competency hearing against Brian David Mitchell. According to court transcripts, Smart testified that they performed a religious ceremony in which Smart was married to Mitchell, and Barzee washed her feet and dressed her in robes for the ceremony. Smart testified that Barzee was upset over Mitchell's relationship with Smart. Smart’s testimony also revealed that she was raped 3-4 times a day by Mitchell during the nine months of captivity.
To read Elizabeth Smarts testimony, click here.
The Elizabeth Smart case is similar to the Jaycee Dugard case in that they were both kidnapped for an extended period of time at a very young age, and both found alive. Jaycee Dugard was found in August of this year and is still recovering from being held captive for 18 years. Dugard also had two children by Phillip Garrido, her accused kidnapper.
Source: Associated Press and Fox News
Related articles:
Wanda Eileen Barzee expected to plead guilty to kidnapping charges in Elizabeth Smart case
Elizabeth Smart gives shocking testimony in Brian David Mitchell’s hearing – Part I
Elizabeth Smart gives shocking testimony in Brian David Mitchell’s hearing – Part II
Elizabeth Smart testified that she was raped 3 or 4 times daily by kidnapper
Elizabeth Smart story is similar to Jaycee Dugard kidnapping case
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