Barzee Pleads Guilty for Smart Kidnapping

The woman charged with her husband with the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart has entered a guilty plea in federal court and asked her victim to forgive her for the pain she caused. Wanda Eileen Barzee, 64, also apologized to the court for her role in the kidnapping of the 14-year-old Salt Lake City girl.

Barzee is scheduled to be sentenced May 19.

Barzee told the judge she was "humbled as I realize how much Elizabeth Smart has been victimized and the role that I played in it."

"I am so sorry, Elizabeth, for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and your family," Barzee, 64, said. "It is my hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me."

Elizabeth, now 22 years old, was not in court for the plea. Her father, Ed Smart, made a statement.

"I just hope that Wanda realizes what she did and that it was absolutely wrong and absolutely horrible," he said.

Will Testify Against Mitchell

Attorneys for Barzee said she is expected to receive 15 years in federal prison when she is sentenced, with credit for six years already served in jail and Utah State Hospital, where she was forced medicated to restore her competency.

Barzee will also plead guilty in state court, where she was declared incompetent, to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping. She will cooperate with prosecutors in their case against her ex-husband, Brian David Mitchell.

Mitchell is currently facing competency hearings in federal court after being declared incompetent in state court and ruled not eligible for forced medications.

See Also:
Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges in Smart Kidnapping
Lawyer: Woman Will Enter Guilty Plea in Smart Case

Background:
The Elizabeth Smart Case

Forum:
Discuss The Elizabeth Smart Case

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