Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapper Mentally Fit to Stand Trial

SALT LAKE CITY - A federal judge has ruled that the man charged in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart is mentally competent to stand trial. U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball issued the 149-page ruling Monday, which said 56-year-old former street preacher Brian David Mitchell "does not presently suffer from a mental disease or defect that impedes his rational and factual understanding."




The ruling comes after a 10 day mental competency hearing in court in court for Mitchell in December. Smart Testified against Mitchell along with sever police officers and mental health experts. There is no date set for trial.


The U.S. Attorney's Office released a statement saying, ""This is a significant step forward holding the defendant accountable for his conduct. Elizabeth Smart, her family and this community have waited many years for resolution of this case. The court's determination that the defendant is competent to stand trial moves us toward that resolution."

Mitchell is being accused of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart in 2002, she was 14 at the time. The accusations go on to detail that he did so to make her a polygamous wife and fulfil his religious prophecy. In 2003 she was discovered.

Mitchell's estranged wife Wanda Barzee struck a plea deal with prosecutors and is now serving time in prison.