Brian David Mitchell
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Brian David Mitchell (born October 18, 1953) is a suspect in the 2002 Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case. He and his wife Wanda Ileen Barzee, have been indicted by a Utah grand jury for kidnapping Smart from her Salt Lake City, Utah home, and keeping her in their custody until the following year, when she was discovered. His trial on these charges has been postponed indefinitely, following a court ruling that he is not mentally competent to stand trial. This ambiguity notwithstanding, authorities have concluded their investigation into Smart's kidnapping; no other suspects are sought.
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[edit] Kidnapping
According to her sister, Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her bedroom in the affluent Federal Heights district of Salt Lake City on June 5, 2002, at knifepoint. Meanwhile, the sister had been pretending to be asleep and did not inform her parents, Lois and Ed Smart, of the events until two hours later, having been told by the kidnapper that he would kill Elizabeth if she made any noise. Several search efforts ensued, including bands of over 2,000 volunteers organized by the Laura Recovery Center, which disbanded after a week of rescue attempts. National investigations, however, continued.
Just over eight months later, Brian David Mitchell, who was wanted by police for questioning because he had worked as a handyman at the Smart residence for one day in November, 2001, was spotted by residents in the street with his two companions about 20 miles south of the Smart home in Sandy, Utah on March 12, 2003. When he was stopped by the officers, Smart was wearing a gray wig and a veil. She was recognized during questioning and was promptly reunited with her parents, little sister and four brothers. Mitchell and Wanda Ileen Barzee were taken into custody as suspected kidnappers. It is speculated that Mitchell, who called himself "Immanuel David Isaiah," sought Smart as a bride.
[edit] The trial
Mitchell and Barzee are being held on $10 million bond awaiting the outcome of mental competency tests. The results will indicate whether they are fit to stand trial on charges including kidnapping, sexual assault and burglary.
Brian David Mitchell was deemed incompetent to stand trial in July 2005, according to this court decision.
Wanda Barzee was also found incompetent to stand trial in early 2004, and was sent to the Utah State Mental Hospital for treatment. After two years of treatment at the hospital and no visible signs of improvement, lawyers argued as to whether or not Barzee should be forcibly medicated in order to regain her competency for trial. The judge, however, has not yet reached a decision on the matter.[1]
Prosecutors say that Mitchell and Barzee kidnapped Elizabeth to be Mitchell's second wife, that they held her against her will in the foothills above Federal Heights until October 8, and that they then took her to California, where they stayed until March 5.
[edit] Alleged mental illnesses
In several writings, Mitchell claims to be a prophet called by God. He asserts his mission is to correct The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by restoring its fundamental values. He is the author of numerous religious texts, including a manifesto entitled The Book of Immanuel David Isaiah, proclaiming his messengership and outlining the nature of his work.
Third District Court Judge Judith Atherton issued a decision on July 26, 2005 regarding the competency of Brian David Mitchell, in which she found that Mr. Mitchell is not competent to proceed to trial. He was remanded to Utah State Hospital.
