Elizabeth Smart Opens Up About Her Kidnapping

Elizabeth Smart is opening up about her 2002 kidnapping. More than a decade after she was abducted from her bedroom, the 25-year-old is ready to talk. Smart was held captive for nine months.

At the age of 14, Smart vanished from her bed in the middle of the night. She was kidnapped and held captive by Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee.

Although she was eventually found, Smart was emotionally destroyed by the experience. Subjected to months of physical, sexual, and mental abuse, she said she “didn’t feel human.”

Smart has moved on from the kidnapping. However, she will never forget the brutal abuse. As reported by NBC News, Mitchell and his wife are religious fanatics with unusual beliefs.

Throughout the nine months, Smart says she was often denied food and water. The couple chained her to a tree to prevent her escape.

Smart says Mitchell and Barzee treated her like a an object. They both used threats to keep her under control. Smart says she was raped on a daily basis and treated like a slave.

Elizabeth Smart spent a majority of the nine months in Southern California. She worked on a plan to convince the couple to return to Utah. Mitchell and Barzee eventually agreed with Smart’s request.

On March 12, 2003, Smart was recognized and rescued. She was found less than 20 miles from her parents’ home.

Barzee eventually plead guilty for her part in the kidnapping. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010. As part of a plea deal, she was given credit for the seven years she already served.

Mitchell plead not guilty. He was found guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault in 2011. He is currently serving two life sentences.

Smart testified against her captors. However, she has been reluctant to discuss her time in captivity. She prefers to focus her efforts on the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.

Through her foundation, Smart spreads awareness about crimes against children. Her efforts include educating children about abuse and bullying.

Elizabeth Smart will appear live on TODAY on October 7. She is expected to discuss her time in captivity, and how she continues to recover.

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