Elizabeth Smart Testifies Against Captors/Brian David Mitchell Sentenced To Life In Prison

Jurors say testimony about Elizabeth Smart 'tore at our guts'

Published: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 12:00 a.m. MST
By Dennis Romboy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Nine men and five women sat in silence for 18 days listening to graphic details about Brian David Mitchell's insatiable appetite for sex, drugs and alcohol.

They sat intently as dueling psychologists dissected his mental state the night he stole Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom at knifepoint, held her captive for nine months and repeatedly raped her. They heard impassioned arguments from defense attorneys and prosecutors about what should become of the bearded man who called himself Immanuel.

Hearing all that, one juror said, "tore at our guts."

And they couldn't say a word about it, to anyone.

Until U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball placed Mitchell's fate in their hands, jurors could only talk through the sea of evidence in their own minds. "It was easy for us to go home and cry a lot," a juror said.

But when seven men and five women (the two alternates are excluded from deliberations) retired to the jury room, they were able to let out the thoughts and emotions they had pent up and compare them with their peers. The jury discussed, debated and questioned for five hours before finding Mitchell guilty Friday of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines.

Mitchell's defense team failed to convince the jury that Mitchell suffered from mental illness, that he was a man whose religious beliefs were so devout that he couldn't refuse what he professed to be God's will.

"We as a group made sure that everybody had their say and in the end all of us were comfortable with the decision," said Juror 7, the foreman.

For Juror 12, it came down to a psychiatrist's simple description of Mitchell: He's a pedophile.

"The question is, did he know right from wrong," the juror said. "I think compelling evidence throughout the trial was that he did know right from wrong."

Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700090611/Jurors-say-testimony-about-Elizabeth-Smart-tore-at-our-guts.html

Elizabeth Smart thinking about becoming a prosecutor someday

Published: Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010 11:44 p.m. MST



SALT LAKE CITY — Elizabeth Smart spoke passionately last week about giving victims of violent crime hope for justice, and apparently wants a role in that someday from the inside of a courtroom.

Hours after the guilty verdict was declared against Brian David Mitchell, Ed Smart said his daughter is thinking about becoming a prosecutor.

"It's subject to change," Ed Smart told CNN. "But usually when she gets a thought in her mind, she sticks to it."


Read more:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700091100/Elizabeth-Smart-thinking-about-becoming-a-prosecutor-someday.html

Ed Smart still fuming over doctor’s testimony

By stephen hunt
The Salt Lake Tribune
Published Dec 14, 2010 01:32PM

Ed Smart is still angry at the Utah State Hospital doctor who caused his daughter Elizabeth to storm from a federal courtroom two weeks ago during Brian David Mitchell’s trial.

Hospital psychiatrist Paul Whitehead testified Dec. 1 that Mitchell, now 57, had discussed having a baby with the then-14-year-old Smart after abducting her in 2002 from her Salt Lake City home. Mitchell raped her almost daily until her rescue nine months later.

Following Mitchell’s convictions for kidnapping and sexual assault on Friday, Ed Smart publicly criticized Whitehead, the hospital and a California psychologist.

On Monday, Ed Smart explained that his daughter, now 23, stormed out because she had no such conversation with Mitchell, a self-proclaimed prophet who took Smart for a plural wife.

“For nine months she had to put up with Mitchell’s ‘badgering lies,’ ” Ed Smart told The Tribune. “This time she didn’t have to.”

He said his daughter left U.S. District Court in a fury and stayed away for about an hour because Whitehead — relying on information he should have known was untrue — gave undue consideration to Mitchell’s comments as being truthful.

“There was not a conversation [about having a baby],” Ed Smart told The Tribune. “It’s an absolute lie.”

Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50866663-76/mitchell-smart-state-trial.html.csp

Father Of Elizabeth Smart Speaks With 10News

Ed, Lois Smart To Speak At Women's Week Conference In Escondido

UPDATED: 11:35 pm PDT March 30, 2011



SAN DIEGO -- Nearly a decade after Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home and found nine months later, 10News spoke with her father, Ed, who shared what he believes every parent should know.

"You know, when I think of what Elizabeth went through for those nine months, it was horrible," said Ed Smart.

Read more: http://www.10news.com/news/27379730/detail.html

Attorneys say Elizabeth Smart wasn't that psychologically damaged

Published: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 8:49 a.m. MDT
By Pat Reavy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Defense attorneys for Brian David Mitchell contend that Elizabeth Smart, who was 14 when she was abducted and raped daily by their client, really didn't suffer extreme psychological injury during her nine months in captivity.

In court documents filed May 6, Mitchell's attorneys say they do not agree Smart suffered "extreme psychological injury ... since its application is directly contradicted by the testimony of Ms. Smart and argument by the government, who vigorously argued that Ms. Smart is a 'survivor' who has not been psychologically injured more than other victims of the offenses at issue."

Mitchell was convicted in December of kidnapping and taking Smart across state lines for the purpose of having sex. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week in federal court. The maximum sentence for kidnapping is life in prison and a statutory maximum of 15 years for the transporting a minor conviction.

Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705372796/Attorneys-say-Elizabeth-Smart-wasnt-that-psychologically-damaged.html

Elizabeth Smart wants to use her trials to inspire others

She enjoyed anonymity during her Mormon mission in France

By Pat Reavy, Deseret News
Published: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 5:01 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Ed Smart once said that his daughter Elizabeth in general only likes to speak publicly when she has the potential of helping or being an inspiration to others.

After speaking with her for a short time Wednesday, it's clear that the woman who has been through so much and inspired so many people all over the world, is more comfortable putting the spotlight on helping others than herself.

"Mostly I'm just looking forward to going where I can make the biggest difference, doing the best that I can do to help others around me. Hopefully make a difference in the world," she said of her plans after graduating from college.

Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705372923/Elizabeth-Smart-wants-to-use-her-trials-to-inspire-others.html

Mitchell should be sentenced as the mastermind behind Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping, prosecutors say

Published: Thursday, May 19, 2011 3:32 p.m. MDT
By Pat Reavy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Prosecutors say Brian David Mitchell was the mastermind behind the plot to kidnap Elizabeth Smart and should be sentenced as such.

In documents filed Thursday in federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office argues that when U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball sentences Mitchell on Wednesday, he should use an enhancement that allows for a possible stronger penalty for someone who is considered the "organizer, leader, manager or supervisor in any criminal activity."

"While this does not diminish (co-defendant and estranged wife Wanda) Barzee's culpability for the crime, the defendant's role in the offense is an aggravating factor," prosecutors said in court documents.

Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705372990/Mitchell-should-be-sentenced-as-the-mastermind-behind-Elizabeth-Smarts-kidnapping-prosecutors-say.html

Defense: Mitchell's crimes 'egregious,' but not different than other kidnappers

By Pat Reavy, Deseret News
Published: Friday, May 20, 2011 3:26 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — More legal maneuverings continued Friday as both the government and defense attorneys prepare for next week's sentencing of Brian David Mitchell.

In a supplemental memorandum filed by assistant federal defender Parker Douglas, Mitchell's attorneys say they do not dispute that Elizabeth Smart suffered psychological trauma when she was abducted for nine months at age 14 by Mitchell and raped daily.

Lead defense attorney Robert Steele even told jurors during closing arguments that his client was "not a nice guy" and his actions were extremely hurtful to Smart and her family.

Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373055/Defense-Mitchells-crimes-egregious-but-not-different-than-other-kidnappers.html

Elizabeth Smart To Speak At Kidnapper's Sentencing

5:36 AM, May 21, 2011



Salt Lake City, UT -- Elizabeth Smart is home from her LDS Mission in France enjoying time with her family. But soon she will be back in the national spotlight. On May 25th, she plans to speak during the sentencing hearing for her kidnapper Brian David Mitchell.

Her goal is to not only speak for her case, but also other victims of crime like her.

Read more: http://www.digtriad.com/news/article/176291/175/Elizabeth-Smart-To-Speak-At-Kidnappers-Sentencing

Mitchell sentenced to life in prison for Smart kidnapping

May 25, 2011
Written by: Dan Metcalf Jr.



SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Brian David Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping and rape of Elizabeth Smart Wednesday afternoon.

Judge Dale Kimball first heard motions from Mitchell's attorneys over his role as a spiritual leader, along with Wanda Barzee's role in the kidnapping.

Just after 3:00 p.m., Mitchell was brought into the courtroom and began singing.

Elizabeth's father Ed took the stand as Mitchell began singing, and chastised him for perverting religious beliefs to justify what he did to Elizabeth.

"I hope that you will one day be able to repent," said Ed.

When Ed finished, Elizabeth took the stand and gave a statement.

"I know that you know that what you did was wrong," said Elizabeth. "I want you to know that I have a wonderful life. You will never hurt me again."

Read more: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Mitchell-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-Smart/uJCycAk--UaiK1LXy5J8RQ.cspx

Elizabeth’s choice: Take path to advocacy or fade into ‘normal’?

By Melinda Rogers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated May 24, 2011 01:35P

When Elizabeth Smart takes center stage in a federal courtroom this week, the nation will watch as she confronts for one last time the man convicted of her kidnapping and rape. Smart is still contemplating the words she will use to describe the impact Brian David Mitchell had on her life when he snatched her from her bedroom in 2002 when she was 14.

Yet she is unwavering in her plan to use the courtroom finale, which coincides with National Missing Children’s Day, to spread hope to other victims as an advocate.

Once Wednesday’s sentencing concludes an eight-year legal drama, the 23-year-old will face a choice other women who have survived high-profile crimes know well: How much of her life might be lived publicly? Will Smart take a path of active advocacy or opt for a quieter life removed from rehashing the story that labeled her to many as simply “Elizabeth Smart, kidnapping survivor”?

The answer isn’t clear.

Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home2/51848701-183/rodier-snarr-benvenuto-victims.html.csp

Elizabeth Smart to Work as ABC Commentator

SALT LAKE CITY July 7, 2011 (AP)

Elizabeth Smart is taking a job with ABC News as a commentator focusing on missing persons and child abduction cases.

The Utah woman who was kidnapped from her bedroom at knifepoint, raped and held captive at age 14 by a Salt Lake City street preacher can provide viewers with a unique perspective, network spokeswoman Julie Townsend told The Associated Press on Thursday.

A deal with the now 23-year-old has been the works for several months and she could be on the air within the next few weeks, Townsend said.

"We think she'll help our viewers better understand missing persons stories," Townsend said in a telephone call from New York City. "This is someone with the perspective to know what a family experiences when a loved one goes missing."

Read more:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=14018335

Congratulations Elizabeth!

I am so very proud of this young woman. She is now going to take her horrific experience and have a stage to focus on missing persons and child abduction cases. I wish her the best and much success.

I'm glad Elizabeth is doing something positive with her horrible experience. Maybe one day she can be Nancy Grace's replacement and make sure the show focuses on the missing every night.

She is such an amazing young woman!

Bravo, Bravo!!!!!

Early interrogation tapes of Smart kidnapper released

Brittany Green, Web Content Producer fox13now.com
9:24 p.m. CDT, August 5, 2011



SALT LAKE CITY—

A district court judge has allowed the release of early interrogation tapes between detectives and Brian David Mitchell shortly after his capture.

The tapes show a 2-hour interrogation between Mitchell and Salt Lake City Police Detective Cordon Parks and FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Ross hours after Mitchell was found and captured in Sandy with wife Wanda Barzee and Elizabeth Smart nine months after Smart had been taken at knife-point from her Salt Lake City home.

Read more: http://www.kansascw.com/kscw/news/kstu-brian-david-mitchell-early-interrogation-tapes-of-smart-kidnapper-released-20110805,0,3947639.story

Elizabeth Smart to speak at North Central Michigan College

9:16 a.m. EDT, September 13, 2011

Abduction survivor, Elizabeth Smart, will be the featured speaker at North Central Michigan College’s first lecture series program for the 2011-12 school year.


Smart will speak at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, in the Student and Community Resource Center gymnasium on the Petoskey campus.

Read more: http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/pnr-elizabeth-smart-to-speak-at-north-central-michigan-college-20110913,0,7158889.story

Attorneys in Elizabeth Smart case awarded for successful prosecution

By melinda rogers
The Salt Lake Tribune
12/9/11

Persevering an 8-year legal maze to prosecute Brian David Mitchell has garnered national recognition for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Salt Lake City and other state employees who worked to bring the 57-year-old street preacher to justice for the 2002 kidnapping and rape of Elizabeth Smart.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday honored the Utah litigation team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Felice John Viti, David F. Backman and Diana Hagen; victim witness coordinator Cecelia Swainston; supervisory litigation support specialist Yvette G. Laughter; FBI Special Agent Eric Lerohl; and Deputy Salt Lake County District Attorney Alicia Cook, who also holds the title of special assistant U.S. Attorney.

Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53085399-78/mitchell-attorney-state-team.html.csp