March 14, 2003
I figured I should write a little something about this whole matter, considering it is making top headlines and that it is so (geographically) close to me. It's also a breath of fresh air from the whole Iraqi war mess. I'm sure pretty much everyone knows about the Elizabeth Smart case. She was kidnapped from her bed early on June 5, 2002 at the age of 14. 2 days ago, after 9 months in captivity, she was found and returned to her family. She was found with her captors about 2 miles from where I work, so there is certainly a lot of attention around here.I want to say that I'm extremely glad she was found alive and (supposedly) well. I must admit that I kinda figured she'd never show up again, given the cases of so many others who have been kidnapped, abused, and murdered. I remember feeling really bad for Ms. Smart when she was taken and just how tragic and unexplainable the whole thing was. Fortunately, she's back, but there are a lot of questions running through everyone's heads about what happened to her and her true psychological and physical shape. Was she brainwashed? Was she sexually abused (something extremely tragic and maddening in my mind)? The first seems somewhat certain, and I hate to think about the second. Some say the captor, Brian "Emmanuel" Mitchell was trying to replace a daughter who ran away when she was 15 (from supposed abuse). Some say he's a self-proclaimed polygamist and wanted her for another wife. Depending on which one of these (or another, of course) hypotheses was the real one, Elizabeth's treatment could differ wildly. I sincerely hope she's ok and doesn't have any long term effects. Congratulations to her and her family. Welcome back Elizabeth!
Posted by charr at 8:50 AM
Reader Comments
As an update, for those who haven't heard, it's been confirmed by Wanda Barzee, one of the captors, that Elizabeth was taken to be another wife for Mr. Mitchell. It was also confirmed that, tragically, Elizabeth was sexually abused multiple times. At least 6 charges (of aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault) have been filed against the two with potential sentences of life in prison.
It brings me such great joy and over whelming happiness to see Ms.Elizabeth Smart "ALIVE"! This case I think has really brought the world to a sort of awakening that..."Though it is deeply tragic when they are taken from us, let us be reminded to always remember every missing child..missing..Let us not forget them and always..always keep...LOOKING..untill they are..FOUND"." This case has reminded the world to not forget about our faith..our faith in miricles and our faith in God". " It is faith that brought this young girl home..home to her family and home to the people who love her..It was God who helped this family stay together..to find Ms.Elizabeth..and it was him who helped keep Elizabeth Alive". This is a happy ending this story and ..In a way a new beginning not just for this young girl and her family..but..to the world that..."We will find America's Missing and We Will Bring Them Home..Untill we do we will keep looking."
ELIZABETH I MISSED YOU WHILE YOU'VE DISAPPEARED FROM YOUR PARENTS HOUSE I ALSO WAS WONDERING WHERE YOU WENT TO FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS,
I WAS WATCHING YOU AT MY OLD HOUSE BEFORE WE MOVED TO UTAH(BUT ON THE NEWS)DIDN'T MISS THE ACTION TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND WHERE YOU WERE AT BUT I'M LUCKY THAT SOMEBODY FOUND YOU
I AM NOT GOING TO FORGET YOU GIRL YOUR STILL NUMBER 1 IN MY BOOK OF REMEMBERANCE
THANKS FOR TELLING ME THAT YOU WHERE AROUND
I WAS WONDERING WHERE YOU WHERE I STILL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU WHEN YOU WHERE AWAY HUN
I STILL LOVE THE WAY YOU SMILE AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON GIRL.
SINCERLY GEORGE ROLAND TAYLOR JUNIOR
IN MOUNT OLIVE,NORTH CAROLINA.
I am overwhelmingly glad Elizabeth was found. It is truly remarkable such a young girl can be so machure and optimistic on such a harsh event. She is truly a wonderful individual. May she find sucssees and happiness in all. Godbless,
Amy Blevins
well thank god they found you and hopefully you find yourself doing much better and me being 16 now am scared in a way because you never know what could happen even in your own house and its crazy. But I wish you the best of luck and may god be with you always
Much luv and respect
Laliz
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As an update, for those who haven't heard, it's been confirmed by Wanda Barzee, one of the captors, that Elizabeth was taken to be another wife for Mr. Mitchell. It was also confirmed that, tragically, Elizabeth was sexually abused multiple times. At least 6 charges (of aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault) have been filed against the two with potential sentences of life in prison.
Posted by Cameron at March 19, 2003 8:24 AM