Elizabeth Smart was taken from her bed at the age of 14 while her younger sister witnessed the traumatic event. Now at 38, she shares her harrowing experience in a new documentary on Netflix titled “Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart,” featuring never-before-seen footage.
In the documentary, Elizabeth reveals that her younger sister, who was also deeply affected by the crime, identified the perpetrator, known as Brian David Mitchell or Emmanuel, despite initial skepticism from detectives.
The abduction took place on June 2, 2002, when Elizabeth was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mitchell gained access by cutting the window screen and threatening Elizabeth with a knife while her sister, Mary Katherine, watched in silence.
Despite initial difficulties in recalling details, Mary Katherine eventually recognized Mitchell’s voice as the intruder. This breakthrough led authorities to focus on Mitchell, who had been posing as a homeless man named Emmanuel.
After the abduction, Mitchell kept Elizabeth captive in a remote camp, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults. He believed himself to be a prophet named Emmanuel and moved Elizabeth to California before she convinced him to return to Utah.
Nine months after the abduction, Elizabeth was rescued thanks to Mary Katherine’s recognition of Mitchell. Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison, while his accomplice, Wanda Barzee, served part of her sentence and was released.
Elizabeth, now a mother of three, has become an advocate for missing persons and hopes that sharing her story will help others who have experienced similar traumas.
“Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.