Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, Brian David Mitchell, Wanda Barzee: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart - Who were the captors and where are they now? Details explored in depth

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is the latest documentary on Netflix that brings forth the shocking true story of a 14-year-old girl from Salt Lake City, who was abducted by a preacher, Brian David Mitchell, and his wife, Wanda Barzee, in 2002. What followed was a nationwide search operation and public appeal from the parents to return their daughter. Elizabeth Smart was held in captivity for nine months. During the trial, her testimony helped bring her captors to justice. Both Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee were found guilty of kidnapping and transporting a minor.

Through never-seen-before footages and interviews, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart takes the audience through the harrowing case that got the attention of the whole nation. The Netflix documentary also features interviews from Elizabeth, her family members, and investigators involved in the case. Smart, who is now 38-years-old, is a se*ual abuse activist and an advocate for child safety. As per Tudum by Netflix, Smart shared,

“I hope that people who watch this (documentary can see) that even after terrible things happen, you can still have a wonderful life.”

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart – Who were the captors?

Elizabeth Smart, 14, lived with her parents and siblings at their home in Salt Lake City, Utah. On June 5, 2002, Brian David Mitchell kidnapped Elizabeth at knifepoint from her bedroom as her frightened 9-year-old sister, Mary Katherine, pretended to be asleep. Mitchell was in cahoots with his wife, Wanda Barzee. Brian David Mitchell had previously been to their house for some handiwork.

At a campsite near the mountains, Elizabeth was held captive. She was sexually abused, tormented, and threatened every day for nine months. She also kept diary entries about his strange religious beliefs that she was forced to follow. Elizabeth held on to the hope that she would meet her family one day.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Smart’s abduction made it to the news, and a countrywide search started with a huge number of volunteers. Her parents, Ed and Lois Smart, were also frantically making a public appeal to find their daughter. But it was not until her younger sister, Mary Katherine, recalled the familiar voice she heard on the night of the kidnapping. Mitchell had worked in their house once and was known to the family as Immanuel. Her memory, which led to the captor’s sketch, ultimately helped solve the case.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart finally brought hope when she was seen with Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee in Sandy, Utah, on March 12, 2003. She was wearing a dark wig and a veil. She was recognized by a bystander and was later rescued by the police.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart – What happened to Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee?

During Brian David Mitchell’s trial in 2009-2010, Elizabeth Smart shared her deeply distressing experience while being in captivity for nine months. The case was initially delayed for years due to Mitchell's allegedly claiming mental illness. Mitchell was found guilty of kidnapping and transporting a minor with intent to engage in se*ual activity. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

As per Tudum by Netflix, Elizabeth Smart recalls the trial in the Skip Intro podcast.

“I remember sitting in the courtroom looking at the defense team and I just had such disgust. How could people, how could attorneys defend what my captors had done?”

She further added,

“At the end of the trial, I remember the lead defense attorney coming up to me and saying, ‘Elizabeth, I want you to know I did the absolute best job I could do so that you never have to go through this again, so that this trial could never be appealed, so that the ruling was final.’ … In that moment, I changed my opinion instantly. I had such a deep respect (for them).”

According to Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, while Wanda Barzee was also found guilty of the crime, she was sentenced to 15 years in prison. After serving her time, she was released in September 2018. In May 2025, Barzee, who is a registered sex offender in Utah, was arrested in Salt Lake City for visiting two public parks.

Watch Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on Netflix.

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