The Story of Elizabeth Smart: Nine Months in Captivity
A Peaceful Suburb and a Shocking Abduction
Elizabeth Smart, the eldest of six children in the Smart family, was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her family was deeply religious and adhered to strict moral principles. They lived in a cozy home in one of the safest and most peaceful neighborhoods in the city. On June 5, 2002, this peace was shattered.
Child abduction. Her younger sister, Mary Katherine, was sleeping next to her and woke up to strange noises. She saw a man threatening Elizabeth with a knife. Terrified, Mary Katherine pretended to be asleep to avoid becoming the next victim. She watched as the man led Elizabeth away, unable to do anything. Several hours later, she gathered the courage to wake her parents and share what had happened.
Elizabeth Smart: The Incredible Courage of the Smart Family
When Elizabeth’s parents learned of her abduction, they immediately called the police. The Smart family acted quickly, hoping for Elizabeth’s safe return. Thousands of volunteers participated in the search. People in Salt Lake City and beyond formed search parties, distributed flyers, and tried to find any clues.
Elizabeth’s parents appeared on television, pleading with the kidnapper to return their daughter. They believed that someone, somewhere, knew where their girl was.
Who Is Brian David Mitchell?
Brian David Mitchell was later identified as the kidnapper. He had mental health issues and fanatical religious beliefs. Mitchell saw himself as a prophet sent by God. He believed Elizabeth was meant to be his ‘spiritual wife.’ Mitchell had a criminal history and was known for his bizarre behavior.
Mitchell’s wife, Wanda Barzee, also participated in the abduction. She was under Mitchell’s influence and fully supported him in the crime. Barzee helped him keep Elizabeth captive and played the role of the second kidnapper, endorsing Mitchell’s fanatical ideas.
Life in Captivity: Terror and Hope
After the abduction, Elizabeth was taken to the mountains, just a few miles from her home. Mitchell and Barzee led her to a small campsite hidden in the woods, where she was held captive. Mitchell immediately forced Elizabeth to wear a burqa to hide her identity and declared her his “spiritual wife.”
Elizabeth endured regular physical and emotional abuse. Mitchell subjected her to daily torment, and Barzee supported him.
Nine Months in Captivity and a Miraculous Rescue
Elizabeth Smart remained in captivity for nine long months. For nine long months, Elizabeth Smart remained in captivity, only a few miles from her home. No one knew where she was. Mitchell and Barzee walked with her through the streets of Salt Lake City. Hidden behind a burqa and known only by her new name, Augustine, she went unrecognized.
The turning point came in March 2003. Mitchell decided to go into the city to prepare for a “spiritual journey.” He took Elizabeth and Barzee with him. On the street, police officers noticed the strangely dressed group and approached them.
Elizabeth Smart: Life After the Rescue
Returning home brought joy and challenges. It marked the start of a long recovery journey. Elizabeth Smart and her family faced many trials as they worked to overcome the psychological scars left by this horrific experience.
Elizabeth became a symbol of strength and resilience. She actively advocated for children’s rights, founding the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which focuses on child protection and preventing abductions. In her autobiography, published in 2013, Elizabeth openly shared her experience, hoping to help other victims.
Elizabeth Smart’s story is one of abduction and immense inner strength. It also showcases her remarkable recovery. She continues to inspire millions of people around the world with her example and her work in child protection.
Sources
- CNN: “The Elizabeth Smart case: What happened to her kidnappers?”
- ABC News: “Elizabeth Smart Shares New Details of Her Horrific Kidnapping”
- The Guardian: “Elizabeth Smart: My nine months of captivity” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/06/elizabeth-smart-my-nine-months-captivity
- NBC News: “Elizabeth Smart on surviving captivity: ‘It’s a real miracle’”
