If you follow true crime stories regularly, like me, I am sure you are familiar with the case of Elizabeth Smart. Ever since news of her abduction became public, the case received a great deal of media attention. I can’t begin to count the number of documentaries that news channels and streaming services made about the subject. It showed me that the public was really curious about the case, and I believe people still are. So, I decided to talk to some kidnapping private detectives, OK, hoping to gain their insights into this horrific event.
Before I begin, let me just warn you that the things I am going to discuss here are not for the faint of heart. I consider myself to be a strong person, and even I felt sick to my stomach hearing about the ordeal.
What Happened to Elizabeth Smart?
No matter how many kidnapping stories I listen to, my heart and mind never get numb to them. Each case is tragic, and sometimes I find myself thinking about what the victims must be going through. Someone abducted Elizabeth from her Salt Lake City home in June 2002. Her captor, Brian Mitchell, kept her for over a period of nine months.
Imagine what the poor girl’s parents must be going through? I can’t even begin to think of the anguish they must feel. That’s why I tell everyone to hire the best kidnapping private investigator in Guthrie, OK, if someone they know goes missing. Getting these pros on board asap can greatly increase the likelihood of finding important clues that can help you find the missing person.
A Look at Elizabeth’s Kidnapper
When I started looking into Bryan Mitchell’s history, his actions started to make sense. The kidnapper was born in a family of religious fanatics and had a history of exposing himself to minors, overdosing on drugs, and making tons of other bad choices. Some people say that Bryan became a religious fanatic himself at one point. If you ask me, I feel like this guy had a few screws loose from the beginning. Maybe all he needed to fix up was responsible parenting, but we all know there was no hope in that area.
Did Bryan Act Alone?
I remember seeing Bryan Mitchell’s face on T.V and clenching my fist, thinking of the horrific things he did to poor Elizabeth. That Charles Manson-like face was hard to forget, so much so that I didn’t care to research if Bryan had an accomplice. Well, he did. It was his wife, Wanda Barzee. And, would you believe me if I told you the story gets crazier? Well, it does! Brian Mitchel suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and believed he was a prophet. Wait, there’s more. The creep also believed that God asked him to kidnap Elizabeth Smart with the help of his wife.
Over the years, I discussed Elizabeth’s kidnapping case with multiple child abduction private investigators in Tulsa, OK. Most of them told me that the abductors did unspeakable things to the poor girl, like malnourishing and sexually abusing her. Listening to these stories sometimes makes me think we live among actual demons.
Save Me
Save me. That’s what I imagine Elizabeth kept saying to herself while she was in captivity. Imagine what her mental state would be like, not knowing what’s going to happen to her the next day, whether she would live or if it would be her last day. It was refreshing to learn that authorities acted fast when they learned about the girl’s disappearance. They started an in-depth investigation and even promised a 1 million dollar ransom for Elizabeth’s safe return.
The kidnappers didn’t budge, however, which showed me that they were never in it for the money. They were just sick in the head. I really feel these sickos thought they would get away with everything. Fate had other ideas, as someone tipped the authorities on Elizabeth’s potential whereabouts. Sometimes tips aren’t accurate at all, but this wasn’t one of those times, as it led the police right to the kidnapper’s doorstep.
What Then?
I’m sure those of you who aren’t familiar with Elizabeth Smart’s case are now wondering what happened after the police arrived at the location mentioned in the tip. Well, it was smooth sailing from there as authorities saved Elizabeth Smart and arrested the kidnappers. The husband is behind bars, serving life without a possibility of parole. Good riddance, I say.
Although I must admit, I wasn’t happy when I found out that the wife only served a fifteen-year sentence. Many will agree with me because it’s too short and doesn’t fit the severity of her crimes. Barzee had another short stint in jail when she violated judicial orders by visiting a public park. I guess it’s true what they say, Leopards don’t change their spots.
Enough Is Enough!
Okay. Time for an uncomfortable truth. While Elizabeth Smart is back home, safe and sound, kidnappings are still happening. All of us need to play a part in fighting this evil, like Elizabeth, who is a strong advocate for victims of crime and missing persons. But if you don’t think you can take up an advocacy position, you can always speak out when you notice an injustice.
If you notice any creeps eyeing young children, I would strongly recommend that you alert a missing kid private investigator, Guthrie, OK. These professionals know exactly how to operate and can find important clues that could help catch the perpetrator red-handed. If you aren’t sure what to do, consulting Private Investigators Oklahoma City to determine the best course of action for your specific situation could help. You can contact us at (405) 403-0106 or email Vivien@ojpslegal.com, and we will be glad to help.
