Wanda Barzee, who was convicted in connection with the abduction of Elizabeth Smart, was recently seen in a mugshot with a broad smile amid her registration as a sex offender in Utah. Under Utah law, individuals classified as sex offenders are required to register twice a year, coinciding with their birthday and then six months later.
Nearly 20 years after her imprisonment of Smart, Barzee, now 79, was arrested on May 1 for allegedly violating her restrictions as a sex offender. Reports indicate she was taken into custody at her home in Salt Lake City after visiting at least two parks, which is against the regulations for sex offenders.
Utah law prevents sex offenders from entering designated “protected areas” where children may be present, such as parks and schools. During her arrest, Barzee expressed that she felt compelled by divine suggestion to visit Liberty Park, explaining that she liked to go there to “sit on the bench and keep a duck.” Furthermore, she mentioned to the police that she fancied going to Sugar House Park as well.
Barzee, who was originally convicted in 2002 for her role in compelling Smart’s captivity, has been ordered to check in weekly after her recent arrest for visiting prohibited locations.
Elizabeth Smart, who survived her ordeal, has spoken out about the ongoing dangers children face today. Smart was just 14 when she was abducted in 2002 and held for nine months by Barzee and her husband, Brian David Mitchell. During this horrifying experience, she was subjected to daily abuse. Eventually, she was recognized by a couple while out in Sandy, Utah, leading to her rescue.
Barzee and Mitchell both faced severe legal repercussions for their actions, with Mitchell receiving a life sentence, while Barzee was sentenced to 15 years for her complicity in the crime. Remarkably, Smart testified about the brutal circumstances of her captivity, detailing the physical and emotional toll it took on her.
Despite everything, Smart has remained resilient, advocating for children’s safety and highlighting the importance of being prepared for potential dangers. She often shares her story as a dedicated activist for missing and exploited children.
