Prosecutors in Smart Case File Barzee Motion

Prosecutors in the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case have filed a motion on behalf of Utah's mental institution to force suspect Wanda Barzee to take anti-psychotic medications for her mental disorder, so that she can become competent to stand trial.

A hearing will be conducted to determine if it is likely that her medication will make Barzee competent to stand trial and if there is no other less intrusive treatment available.

Barzee is the wife of Brian David Mitchell, who is also charged with kidnapping Elizabeth Smart from her home in June 2002 and holding her for nine months. Barzee has been a patient at Utah State Hospital for a year. Mitchell's competency to stand trial is also yet to be determined.

Attorneys for Barzee said they will oppose the motion to force her to take medications. No date has be set for the hearing, which was requested by Assistant Utah Attorney General Susan Eisenman.

See Also:
Prosecutors File Motion in Smart Case

Background:
The Elizabeth Smart Case