Elizabeth Smart, the 14-year-old girl whose kidnapping made headlines across the US eight years ago, will get to see her alleged captor tried soon, according to NPR.
On Monday, jury selection begins for Brian David Mitchell, the man who is accused of abducted Smart during the middle of the night from her Salt Lake City home almost a decade ago. She was rescued nine months later.
Mitchell, formerly a street preacher, is alleged to have held her in captivity and assaulted her on a daily basis in that nine-month span.
The 57-year-old was indicted more than two years ago on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. If convicted, Mitchell could face life in prison.
Smart, who was forced to wear a white cloth to conceal her identity, traveled along with Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee as they moved from camp sites to shelters.
NPR reports that Smart, now 22, will testify in his upcoming trial. Her mother, Lois, is also slated to take the stand.
Television station ABC 4 reports that the defense and prosecution listed approximately 20 people they can call on as witnesses. The defense attorney listed Barzee as one of its witnesses.
A lingering question remains as to whether Mitchell is mentally competent enough to stand trial. Earlier this year, an expert witness for the federal government stepped in and said he was “malingering,” which means he is essentially faking his mental illness, reported ABC.
On Monday, jury selection begins for Brian David Mitchell, the man who is accused of abducted Smart during the middle of the night from her Salt Lake City home almost a decade ago. She was rescued nine months later.
Mitchell, formerly a street preacher, is alleged to have held her in captivity and assaulted her on a daily basis in that nine-month span.
The 57-year-old was indicted more than two years ago on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. If convicted, Mitchell could face life in prison.
Smart, who was forced to wear a white cloth to conceal her identity, traveled along with Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee as they moved from camp sites to shelters.
NPR reports that Smart, now 22, will testify in his upcoming trial. Her mother, Lois, is also slated to take the stand.
Television station ABC 4 reports that the defense and prosecution listed approximately 20 people they can call on as witnesses. The defense attorney listed Barzee as one of its witnesses.
A lingering question remains as to whether Mitchell is mentally competent enough to stand trial. Earlier this year, an expert witness for the federal government stepped in and said he was “malingering,” which means he is essentially faking his mental illness, reported ABC.
