Wanda Barzee pled guilty Tuesday in the kidnapping case of Elizabeth Smart and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Barzee agreed to forgo a trial and to testify against her husband Brian David Mitchell if asked. Had Barzee's case gone to trial, she would likely have been handed a life sentence for her role in the crime. The agreement will also spare Elizabeth from having to testify against Barzee.
In early summer 2002, then 14-year-old Smart was taken from the bedroom of her family's Salt Lake home by Mitchell. He and Barzee held the girl captive for nine months, until she was recognized by a citizen in a Sandy neighborhood.
Barzee admitted to helping her husband plan and execute every aspect of the crime. She claims to have believed at the time that she and Mitchell were prophets of God. The two reportedly thought of Smart as a plural wife, subjecting her to mental and sexual abuse.
Barzee has undergone intensive treatment involving psychotropic medication since her arrest and says she is now regretful of her actions. She apologized to Elizabeth (who was not present) and to the Smart family at the hearing. She says she is "greatly humbled" since becoming cognizant of the degree of suffering she and Mitchell caused Miss Smart. She also said that she hoped for eventual forgiveness from the family.
Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father, said that he forgave Barzee and thinks that "under the circumstances" her sentence is fair. Elizabeth Smart has continued to thrive since the incident and is now studying music at Brigham Young University.
Brian David Mitchell's case is still pending based on whether he will be found mentally competent to stand trial. The judge who ordered Barzee to undergo medication has ruled that Mitchell shall not be forcibly subjected to drug treatment.
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