Elizabeth Smart's Captivity: Unravelling the Harrowing True Crime Story on Netflix
The release of Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on Netflix has sparked intense global interest, with the documentary quickly climbing into the streamer's top 10 most-watched films list. This factual film delves into the chilling 2002 abduction case of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart, who was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, sending shockwaves through her community.
The Abduction and Community Impact
Elizabeth, a devout Mormon from the affluent Federal Heights neighbourhood, was kidnapped in the dead of night, an event that left many questioning how such a brutal crime could occur. After a nine-month police hunt, fueled by the determination of Elizabeth and her family, she was finally rescued. Her kidnappers, Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee, were arrested and faced justice, but audiences still have pressing questions about the case.
Key Questions Answered in the Documentary
Viewers are particularly curious about Elizabeth's time in captivity, the fate of her abusers, and how Mitchell knew the Smart family. The documentary provides stark insights into these aspects, with Elizabeth bravely sharing her experiences.
Did Elizabeth Smart Have Children During Her Captivity?
No, Elizabeth Smart did not have any children while held captive. After her abduction, Mitchell forced her into a non-legally-binding wedding ceremony, claiming he was a prophet of God. He then subjected her to repeated rape, multiple times a day, throughout her nine-month ordeal. To prevent escape, Mitchell and Barzee shackled Elizabeth, and she recounts being humiliated by being forced to walk like a dog in chains. Mitchell also compelled her to drink beer until she vomited, leaving her in her own sickness.
In the documentary, Elizabeth describes Mitchell as resembling Rasputin and using the name Emmanuel David Isaiah, while Barzee went by Hephzibah Eladah Isaiah. She explains that they had their own scriptures, believing God commanded them to kidnap seven girls, with Elizabeth as the first and her cousin Olivia intended as another wife.
How Brian Mitchell Knew the Smart Family
Mitchell was a homeless man often seen preaching and begging in downtown Salt Lake City. Elizabeth's mother, Lois Smart, encountered the pair and helped Mitchell secure contracting work from her husband, Ed Smart, on their family home. This act of kindness tragically allowed Mitchell to familiarise himself with the family, paving the way for the abduction. During captivity, Elizabeth frequently spoke of her cousin Olivia, her closest friend at the time, which motivated Mitchell to attempt a second kidnapping, though it failed.
The Investigation and Capture
Elizabeth's nine-year-old sister, Mary Katherine Smart, was the sole witness to the kidnapping. Initially recalling little, her memory was jogged while browsing the Guinness Book of World Records, where she remembered the name Emmanuel, Mitchell's alias. This led to a suspect sketch being released publicly, despite law enforcement protests. Mitchell's ex-wife then contacted authorities, revealing his history of child sexual abuse.
Elizabeth herself played a role in her rescue by suggesting to Mitchell that God wanted them to return to Salt Lake City. This led them to a busy bus station, where they were recognised and arrested by police. Mitchell was convicted of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity, receiving a life sentence without parole. Barzee pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to 15 years, released in 2018.
Elizabeth Smart's Life Today
Despite the horrific trauma, Elizabeth has rebuilt her life. She met her husband, Matthew Gilmour, while on a Mormon mission in France in 2009, marrying in 2012. The couple now has three children and resides in Wasatch County, Utah. Elizabeth founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which aims to combat sexual violence through education programmes. Her participation in the documentary was motivated by a desire to support other survivors, emphasising that her ordeal did not diminish her worth and that she has grown stronger over time.
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering a poignant look at resilience and justice in the face of adversity.
