Charges Filed Against Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapper

Wanda Barzee violated terms of release by visiting public park

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:11pm

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An extreme close-up of a metal handcuff reflecting a bright flash of light, conceptually representing the challenges of monitoring released criminals.The arrest of a high-profile sex offender exposes the complexities of post-prison supervision and public safety.Salt Lake City Today

Formal charges have been filed against Wanda Barzee, one of the individuals convicted in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart in Salt Lake City, Utah. Police said Barzee admitted to visiting a public park, which violated the terms of her release as a registered sex offender.

Why it matters

The case of Elizabeth Smart's abduction and captivity captivated national attention and sparked discussions around sex offender laws, victim rehabilitation, and the challenges of reintegrating high-profile criminals back into society. This latest incident raises further questions about the supervision and monitoring of released offenders.

The details

Barzee was convicted alongside her husband Brian David Mitchell for the 2002 kidnapping of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home. After serving 15 years in prison, Barzee was released in 2018 despite objections from Smart and her family. As a registered sex offender, Barzee was prohibited from visiting public parks, but police say she admitted to doing so, leading to the new charges.

  • Wanda Barzee was released from prison in 2018 after serving 15 years for the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.
  • On April 15, 2026, police filed formal charges against Barzee for violating the terms of her release by visiting a public park.

The players

Wanda Barzee

One of the individuals convicted in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart. Barzee was released from prison in 2018 despite objections from the Smart family.

Elizabeth Smart

The victim of the high-profile 2002 kidnapping case in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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What’s next

Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue charges against Barzee for violating the terms of her release as a registered sex offender.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of reintegrating high-profile criminal offenders back into society and the need for stricter monitoring and supervision to protect public safety.