Elizabeth Smart fears for her safety if her kidnapper is released



[ad_1]

Wanda Eileen Barzee was not to be released from the state prison for at least five years. But after receiving a credit for the time spent in federal prison, the release of Barzee is scheduled for September 19.

The news was a "big shock," Smart said at an impromptu press conference Thursday. Until recently, Smart had the impression that Barzee would remain in prison until 2024 to have him removed from his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 14.

Smart said she had no viable legal option to challenge the release. But she hopes anyone with the power to change the result will "look twice" at Barzee.

"She is a woman who has had six children and who could conspire to kidnap a 14-year-old girl and not just sit next to her when she is raped, but encouraged her husband to continue to rape me So, do I think it's dangerous? Yes, but not just for me. I believe it's a danger and a threat to every vulnerable person in our community, "said M Smart.

"I would urge the powers in place, and all those who work under their orders, to strongly reconsider this situation, to examine all the facts, to look at his mental state and to see if they feel really and honestly. more a threat and that she is ready to be released. "

Smart acknowledged the possibility that Barzee was manipulated by her husband, Brian David Mitchell, against whom she testified in a state and federal court. Mitchell, a self-described prophet who called himself Emmanuel, repeatedly raped Smart during his captivity. But Barzee was complicit, Smart said.

"Wanda Barzee saw me as her slave.She called her maid and she never hesitated to publicize her dissatisfaction," Smart said.

"There were times when, yes, absolutely, she was manipulated by Mitchell, but she abused me as much as he did," she said.

Barzee spent 15 years in a federal prison in exchange for his cooperation in state and federal affairs against Mitchell. She was released from a federal prison in Texas after serving her sentence in 2016 and returned to Utah to serve a sentence there.

"After further review and advice from a legal advisor, the Commission must count the amount of time the federal government has spent in the sentence imposed by Ms. Barzee," said the Pardons and Parole Commission from Utah.

Artemis Moshtaghian of CNN contributed to this report.

[ad_2]
Source link