Where Are Elizabeth Smart’s Kidnappers Now? The Lives of Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee

More than two decades after 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was taken from her Salt Lake City bedroom on June 5, 2002, the two people responsible — Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee — remain central to a painful and widely followed chapter in U.S. criminal history. This account summarizes how the abduction unfolded, the legal outcomes for Mitchell and Barzee, and where they are today, alongside Elizabeth Smart’s recovery and advocacy work.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department/Getty (2)Brian David Mitchell on March 12, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah ; Wanda Ilene Barzee March 12, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

How the Abduction Happened

In the pre-dawn hours of June 5, 2002, Brian David Mitchell broke into the Smart family home, forced 14-year-old Elizabeth from her bed at knifepoint, and led her into nearby woods. Mitchell — who claimed to be a prophet calling himself "Immanuel" — then took Elizabeth to a makeshift camp where his then-wife Wanda Barzee awaited. Over roughly nine months in captivity, Mitchell repeatedly sexually assaulted Elizabeth. Barzee, Elizabeth later said, witnessed and at times encouraged the abuse.

George Frey/GettyA family photo of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart who was abducted at gunpoint from her Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002.

Discovery and Rescue

Investigators received a critical break after a police sketch based on Elizabeth’s sister Mary Katherine’s recollections was broadcast on America’s Most Wanted. On March 12, 2003, two couples who had seen the program recognized Mitchell walking in Sandy, Utah, and called police. Elizabeth — disguised and using a false name — was ultimately identified at a police station and reunited with her family. Mitchell and Barzee were arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, burglary and sexual assault.

Douglas C. Pizac-Pool/GettyWanda Barzee sits at her hearing on January 9, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Trials, Sentences, And Moves

After years of legal delays and competency evaluations, Wanda Barzee pleaded guilty in November 2009 to kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor and received a 15-year federal sentence with credit for time served. She also cooperated with prosecutors in the case against Mitchell and later filed for divorce.

Smart Family/Salt Lake City PD/GettyThis handout image showing a compilation of images of a man identified as Brian David Mitchell, was released by the Smart family February 18, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brian David Mitchell’s trial began in November 2010. Although his defense pursued an insanity defense, he was found competent to stand trial; a jury convicted him in December 2010 of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Douglas C. Pizac-Pool/Getty (2)Brian Mitchell during his first court appearance March 19, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah ; Wanda Barzee during her first court appearance March 19, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Where They Are Now

Wanda Barzee was released from federal custody on September 19, 2018, and began five years of supervised release, living initially in a halfway house and later in an apartment in Salt Lake City. In May 2025 she was arrested for an alleged parole violation for visiting parks that she was restricted from entering due to her status as a registered sex offender; she was later released by judicial order.

George Frey/GettyWanda Barzee.

Brian David Mitchell remains incarcerated. He served time at the United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute, and — after suffering at least two attacks while in custody — was transferred in October 2025 to the Federal Correctional Institution, Lewisburg, in Pennsylvania. He continues to serve a life sentence without parole.

Utah Department of Public SafetyWanda Barzee.

Elizabeth Smart Today

Elizabeth Smart has rebuilt a public life focused on survivors’ rights and advocacy. She is the author of memoirs about her experience, a victims’ rights advocate, and a mother. In 2012 she married Matthew Gilmour; the couple has three children. Elizabeth has said that hope sustained her through captivity and credited her recovery to faith, family and a commitment to helping other survivors. Her story received renewed attention with the release of the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart in January 2026.

Laura Seitz-Pool/GettyBrian David Mitchell enters the court room for his arraignment on September 2, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“Why would any of us be alive if we didn't have hope?” Elizabeth told PEOPLE. “Hope knowing that life is only going to get better. Hope for happy memories to come.”

Context And Legacy

The Smart case remains one of the most widely discussed abduction stories in recent U.S. history, in part because of Elizabeth Smart’s public healing and advocacy and because the case touches on issues of mental illness, victim protection, and criminal justice procedure. While Mitchell remains locked away for life, Barzee’s early release and later parole-related incident prompted strong public reaction, including from Elizabeth herself.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual violence or abduction, consider contacting local support services or national hotlines for confidential help.