Elizabeth Smart, now 21, wanted to testify about her nine-month ordeal before she leaves on an 18-month mission to Paris for the Mormon church in early November. Although Mitchell's latest competency hearing isn't scheduled until Nov. 30, U.S. District Dale Kimball ruled Monday that Smart could testify early about her interactions with the self-avowed prophet, who allegedly wanted her as a plural wife.
Seven years since she was abducted from her Salt Lake City bedroom by knifepoint, Elizabeth Smart will be in the same room on Thursday as her alleged kidnapper, Brian David Mitchell.
At previous competency hearings, Mitchell has been removed from the courtroom for disrupting the proceedings by humming and singing religious hymns. Ed Smart hopes the same thing happens this time "so that he won't be able to see Elizabeth," he says. "Personally, though, I think he may sit there for a change and not say anything. Whatever happens, Elizabeth is prepared. It's amazing how strong she is."
It is expected that Elizabeth, who was forced to wear a white robe and veil and wasn't allowed to bathe or eat much more than bread during her months held captive, will answer questions from prosecutors and Mitchell's defense team for several hours.
"She's ready to tell what she knows and show that Mitchell knew exactly what he was doing," says her father. "Her comments to me have always been, 'Dad, there just really isn't question that he's guilty of what he did."
More about:Elizabeth SmartAdd Your Comment
Upcoming Topic
Don Draper would approve! Mad Men's Jon Hamm and longtime girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt make a stunn...
Add Your Comment
