Elizabeth Smart Welcomes Baby Girl
Elizabeth Smart reportedly had a baby girl in March. At the age of 14, Elizabeth made headlines when she was abducted at gunpoint from her Salt Lake City, Utah, bedroom. Nine months later, she was found — less than 20 miles from her home.
#ElizabethSmart, Kidnapping Survivor, Gave Birth to Baby Girl http://t.co/395R0vIXiG pic.twitter.com/4KpA60DLtn
— Trendolizer (@Trendolizer) May 31, 2015
Following Elizabeth Smart’s rescue, Wanda Ileen Barzee and Brian David Mitchell were arrested and charged with kidnapping. Mitchell was further charged with aggravated sexual assault, as he reportedly raped the teen on numerous occasions.
As she cooperated with authorities and agreed to plead guilty, Wanda Ileen Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in prison — with credit for time served.
Brian David Mitchell was found guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault. He is currently serving two life terms.
As reported by CNN, Elizabeth was initially reluctant to discuss her kidnapping and what happened during the nine months she was held captive.
Elizabeth later found the strength to open up about her experience, and created the Elizabeth Smart Foundation — which strives to “prevent future crimes against children” and provide support to those who are victimized.
Although she is a strong and outspoken advocate for children’s rights, Elizabeth Smart has worked hard to keep her personal life out of the spotlight.
In an exclusive interview with the Salt Lake Tribune, it was confirmed Elizabeth Smart had a baby in March. Ed Smart said he is proud to be a grandfather. However, Elizabeth wants to maintain her privacy.
“It is totally private… This is something she is keeping to herself and not trying to have out there.”
Like his daughter, Ed Smart is a strong advocate of children’s rights. He is specifically active in the effort to halt child sex trafficking.
Powerful account of the #abduction of @ElizSmart courageous and inspiring http://t.co/33ROuy6Pcb watch, share #tedxunr #tedxtalks
— Executive MBA (@EMBAUNR) April 6, 2015
In an interview with East Idaho News, Ed confirmed Elizabeth was sexually “assaulted once or twice a day for almost every day of the nine months she was gone.” Essentially, the teen was being kept as a sexual slave.
In an effort to rescue other children from similar situations, Ed became an active member of Operation Underground Railroad. As a member of the non-profit organization, Ed travels the world rescuing children from sex trafficking rings.
Ed Smart said human trafficking is far more prevalent than many people know.
“Any time you have a resort area more than likely trafficking is going on there. Any time there’s a big sporting event in the United States you can believe trafficking is going on.”
Elizabeth managed to escape her captives and is leading a productive life. Although she suffered incredible abuse, she went on to attend Brigham Young University and earned a degree in music. She has won numerous awards for her advocacy work — including the Diane von Furstenberg Award.
Elizabeth Smart’s baby was fathered by Matthew Gilmour — who she wed in 2012.
[Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images]
