Wanda Eileen Barzee, ex-wife of Brian David Mitchell both of whom are accused of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart will appear in court today and she is expected to plead guilty. It has been seven years since Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her bed in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wanda Eileen Barzee, 63 faces charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. Barzee may face a life sentence and fifteen years in prison for both charges if convicted.
Elizabeth Smart was 14 in 2002 when taken from her bed in her parents' house in Salt Lake City. She claims that Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Eileen Barzee kidnapped her and took her to a remote campsite just a few files from her home. She was found on the streets of Salt Lake City nine months later, after being taken to southern California for the winter.
On October 1, Smart testified at a competency hearing against Brian David Mitchell. Smart said 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 also testified that she was raped 3-4 times a day by Mitchell during the nine months of captivity, except for the time Mitchell was in jail in California for a week when she was held by Barzee. To read about Elizabeth Smarts testimony, click here.
In 2003, Wanda Eileen Barzee 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.
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 her 18 year captivity, she also had two children by Phillip Garrido, her accused kidnapper.
Related articles:
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 3-4 times a day by kidnapper
Elizabeth Smart story is similar to Jaycee Dugard kidnapping case
Source: Associated Press
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