The Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping, 2 Decades Later

Elizabeth Smart's story is one of resilience, bravery, and the power of hope. Her journey from a harrowing kidnapping to becoming an advocate for victims of sexual assault is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Let's delve into Elizabeth Smart's incredible story — her terrifying abduction, miraculous rescue, and the inspiring life she leads today, two decades later. 

A Nightmarish Abduction

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. 

Forced out of her bed with a knife held to her throat, Elizabeth was forced from her bedroom and made to hike to a campsite, where she was "married" to Mitchell by Barzee. 

Mitchell, a street preacher, had previously worked manual labor for the Smart family. With Barzee's assistance, he carried out the kidnapping, leading to a nine-month ordeal captivating the nation.

The Horror of Captivity

Elizabeth was held captive just miles from her home, enduring unspeakable sexual abuse and manipulation. 

Mitchell and Barzee moved her frequently, keeping her hidden in plain sight. Once, she was almost rescued by a detective who ran into her and her captors in a library. The detective questioned why her face was covered with a veil, and she didn't speak. Mitchell told him they were protecting her for her future marriage. 

Despite the horror she faced, Elizabeth demonstrated remarkable resilience. She even told Mitchell that God told her they needed to return to Salt Lake City from California when he was trying to move them to the East Coast. Mitchell agreed with her, and the trio returned to Utah. 

A Miraculous Rescue

Elizabeth's rescue on March 12, 2003, was nothing short of miraculous. Alert citizens recognized Mitchell and Barzee from media coverage and alerted authorities. Elizabeth was found walking alongside her captors in Sandy, Utah, just 18 miles from her home. 

After months of relentless media coverage and searching, the nation rejoiced as Elizabeth was reunited with her family. Seven years later, Mitchell was found guilty on felony counts of kidnapping and sexual assault, and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Barzee testified against Mitchell and was sentenced to 15 years in prison; she was released in 2018.

From Survivor to Advocate

Elizabeth Smart did not let her tragic experience define her. Instead, she chose to transform her trauma into a force for good. Today, 20 years after her kidnapping, she is a renowned advocate for missing persons and victims of sexual abuse, using her voice to empower others and promote change.

Elizabeth is now married and a mother of three. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which works to prevent crimes against children and supports victims in their recovery. The foundation even includes trauma-informed self-defense classes. She frequently speaks at events and collaborates with law enforcement agencies to improve methods for finding and rescuing abducted children.

Twenty years later, Elizabeth Smart's journey from a young girl kidnapped from her home to a leading advocate for victims' rights is an inspiring story of turning her pain into a powerful force for good.

References: Elizabeth Smart: A Complete Timeline of Her Kidnapping, Rescue and Aftermath | Elizabeth Smart recalls her abduction 2 decades ago: 'It couldn't actually be real' | 20 years after she was rescued from kidnapping, Elizabeth Smart is out with a course about consent|Brian David Mitchell, The Deranged Street Preacher Who Kidnapped Elizabeth Smart