In a shocking twist to one of the most notorious child abduction cases in recent history, Wanda Bursey, a woman previously convicted for her role in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart, has been arrested for breaching her parole terms.
Bursey, alongside her husband Brian David Mitchell, kidnapped 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart in 2002. She stands accused of unlawfully visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As a registered sex offender, the 79-year-old is prohibited from entering these parks, according to court documents sourced by local news. Authorities believe this could constitute a violation of her parole.
Interestingly, Bursey reportedly told Salt Lake City police that she felt compelled by God to visit the parks to “sit on the bench and feed the ducks,” which is quite a peculiar reasoning given their proximity to her home.
In 2002, Bursey and Mitchell broke into the Smart residence through an open window, taking Elizabeth at knifepoint.
After extensive media coverage, Elizabeth was found nine months later when a vigilant citizen recognized her and alerted the police.
The trial revealed that Elizabeth experienced horrific abuse, as she was assaulted almost daily while held in various makeshift shelters across Utah and San Diego. The court sentenced Mitchell to life imprisonment and Bursey to 15 years.
Bursey was released from prison in 2018 but remains under supervision for an additional five years, during which she must undergo mental health treatment and is forbidden from contacting Elizabeth’s family.
Then, Elizabeth Smart was a teenager; now she is a mother in her 30s. Following Bursey’s release, she publicly emphasized that, given Bursey’s past, the potential for danger remains significant.
Smart stated, “She has six children and conspired to lure a 14-year-old girl, actively participating in her abuse. Wouldn’t you consider her a risk?”
Smart recounted her experience, saying that Bursey “treated me like her slave,” making it clear how she felt during that horrifying time.
Bursey’s attorney argued that she was likely unaware of the specific restrictions imposed on her and maintained that, based on his long-time acquaintance with her, she wouldn’t intentionally violate the law.
Once released on parole, individuals remain under the oversight of a corrections officer, retaining limited rights and subject to searches without warrants.
Bursey was detained in Salt Lake City on Thursday, though she was soon released pending further investigation and potential charges.
A parole violation could result in her returning to prison.
