Wanda Barzee, Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper, Arrested for Alleged Sex Offender Violation
Wanda Barzee, infamous for her role in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart over two decades ago, has once again found herself in the clutches of the law. Recent reports detail her arrest in Salt Lake City, Utah, on suspicion of violating the stringent restrictions placed upon her as a registered sex offender. The arrest, executed at her residence on Thursday, stems from allegations that Barzee frequented at least two public parks, locations strictly off-limits to her due to her status.
According to Fox 13 Salt Lake City, during the arrest Barzee claimed she was divinely commanded to visit Liberty Park. She allegedly stated her fondness for sitting on benches and feeding the ducks there. The outlet further reported Barzee admitted that God had similarly "commended" her to visit Sugar House Park.
Utah law explicitly prohibits registered sex offenders from entering designated "protected areas," a category encompassing public parks. The rationale behind these restrictions is to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children, from potential harm.
Barzee’s past is undeniably intertwined with the harrowing experience of Elizabeth Smart. In 2002, Barzee, along with her husband, Brian David Mitchell, kidnapped the then-14-year-old Smart at knifepoint. The subsequent nine months were a period of unimaginable torment for Smart. She was held captive, forced into a polygamous "marriage" by Mitchell, and subjected to near-daily sexual assault.
Smart’s eventual rescue occurred when a concerned couple recognized her while she was walking through Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City, accompanied by Barzee and Mitchell. Initially, fear gripped Smart, leading her to deny her identity when questioned by police. However, she ultimately confessed to being the missing teenager, leading to the immediate arrest of Barzee and Mitchell.
Following a series of legal proceedings, Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in prison for aggravated kidnapping. This sentence was, in part, a result of her cooperation with the FBI and the state of Utah in their efforts to convict Mitchell. Mitchell, deemed the primary perpetrator of the heinous crime, received a life sentence.
In 2018, Barzee was released from prison, commencing a five-year period of federal supervision. In addition to the supervision, she was mandated to register as a sex offender and was explicitly prohibited from contacting Smart’s family.
In the wake of Barzee’s recent arrest, Ed Smart, Elizabeth Smart’s father, voiced his concerns to KUTV, a CBS affiliate. While he stated he does not believe Barzee poses a direct threat to his daughter, he expressed his conviction that she remains a danger to children. "I don’t think Wanda is a threat to Elizabeth. Would I want her around kids? Absolutely not. The comment ‘God told me to’ leaves one with a wide-open excuse to do anything," Ed Smart told KUTV. He insinuated that Barzee’s reliance on divine directives could be used to justify harmful behavior, particularly toward vulnerable individuals.
However, Barzee’s attorney, Scott Williams, presented a differing perspective to KUTV, expressing his confidence that his client was unaware she was violating the terms of her sex offender status. When questioned about whether Barzee poses a threat to anyone, Williams reportedly responded with an emphatic "absolutely not."
The case raises complex questions about the effectiveness of sex offender registration and notification laws, as well as the challenges of reintegrating individuals with such backgrounds into society. The emphasis lies in protecting the community while ensuring that those who have served their time are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives under strict supervision.
The incident also highlights the enduring impact of Barzee’s actions on Elizabeth Smart and her family. While Smart has shown remarkable resilience and become an advocate for child safety, the trauma of her kidnapping continues to cast a shadow over her life.
The legal proceedings following Barzee’s arrest will undoubtedly be closely watched. The outcome will likely determine whether she faces additional prison time or further restrictions on her freedom.
The incident has rekindled discussions regarding the extent of religious influence on individual behavior, particularly in cases where such influence is perceived as a potential justification for violating the law or harming others.
The Barzee case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting children from potential predators. It also underscores the need for comprehensive support systems for survivors of kidnapping and sexual abuse. The balance between community safety, individual rights, and the possibility of rehabilitation remains a complex challenge.
