As someone who has followed the harrowing tale of Elizabeth Smart closely, I find it hard to believe that her kidnapper, Wanda Barzee, was released from prison in 2018. Nine months is an eternity when you’re a teenager, let alone being held captive and subjected to unspeakable horrors. It’s equally baffling that the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole would release her early, or so it seemed, given their initial statements.
On June 5th, 2002, I was snatched from my home in Salt Lake City, Utah by an unidentified man, a chilling event that forever altered my life. According to reports, this mysterious individual was none other than Brian David Mitchell. He whisked me away to a nearby campsite, where his wife, Wanda Barzee, was already waiting.
ABC News reported that Brian David Mitchell forcibly abducted Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom, using a knife against her throat as a means of control. He warned that if she made any noise or resisted, he would harm her family fatally. Once he had taken her to a nearby campsite, he repeatedly sexually assaulted her. In addition, BBC reported that Mitchell provided her with drugs and alcohol to weaken her defenses. As per Smart, Barzee not only failed to aid her but actively encouraged Mitchell to carry out vile acts such as sexual assault.
Approximately nine months elapsed before authorities managed to apprehend Elizabeth Smart’s abductors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, as reported by ABC News. In March 2003, the trio was on their way back to Salt Lake City from California when they were stopped by police for questioning. One of the officers recognized Smart based on a sketch that had been widely circulated on America’s Most Wanted television show. Consequently, Mitchell and Barzee were arrested, while Smart was reunited with her family. Both defendants stood trial and were eventually convicted.
In contrast, Mitchell was given a lifetime imprisonment, whereas Barzee was ordered to serve 15 years behind bars. Nevertheless, by September 2018, the Utah Department of Corrections had freed Wanda Barzee from prison.
Where is Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapper Wanda Barzee now?
Back in September 2018, CNN disclosed that one of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnappers, Wanda Barzee, was freed from prison. The article mentioned that the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole recognized the time served by Barzee, thereby advancing her release date. Moreover, CNN reported that Barzee’s initial expected release year was 2024. ABC News later stated that the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole had made an error in calculating Barzee’s prison sentence. In its explanation, the board clarified that Barzee wasn’t released early; instead, they freed her because she had served her full term.
According to ABC News, as per the board’s statement, Ms. Barzee is not eligible for early or discretionary release. On September 19, she will have served a full 15 years in prison, which is the maximum term dictated by her state conviction and sentence. After this date, it is legally impossible to keep her imprisoned in Utah State prison any longer.
As a devoted follower, I’d like to share that at the time, the authorities mentioned that Wanda Barzee was due for five years of supervised release. Moreover, she is prohibited from any form of contact with Elizabeth Smart and her family. She has also chosen to register herself as a sex offender. According to the National Sex Offender Registry, Wanda Barzee resides in Salt Lake City.
After her release, Elizabeth Smart urged the authorities to re-evaluate their decision as Barzee presented a danger to the local community. At a press briefing, Smart pointed out that Barzee had committed heinous acts while she was in captivity and remained a threat to society. She further emphasized, “I am well aware of her depravity.” In an interview with CBS News, Smart stated that Barzee didn’t appear remorseful for her actions.
Multiple documentaries about Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapping can be found across various streaming platforms. Notable ones include “Elizabeth Smart: My Story” and “The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.” These productions offer a comprehensive exploration of the case, providing detailed insights. The autobiographical documentary, “Elizabeth Smart: My Story,” can be streamed on A&E, whereas “The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart” is accessible on YouTube.
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2024-08-08 14:12