Elizabeth Smart kidnapper: Who needs lawyers when you offer an apology?
It seems months of kidnapping and rape can be undone with a simple apology, but while that apology might win the hearts and minds of the Smart family, it may not win over the judge who decides the sentence Wanda Barzee receives on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor in court.
“I am so sorry, Elizabeth, for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and your family,” Barzee said, taking an emotional pause between sentences. “It is my hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me.”
It took authorities 9 months to track down 14 year old Elizabeth Smart back in the winter of 2002 after she was abducted by knife point by Barzee. Barzee’s husband Brian David Mitchell then allegedly claim the 14 year old as his polygamous wife and raped the young teen after performing a religious ceremony.
The Smarts, practicing mormons and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints now say they can absolutely forgive Barzee for the kidnapping of their daughter 7 years ago.
