Nearly a decade ago Elizabeth Smart was snatched from her room and sexually abused by her captors for 9 months. Now with her abductors behind bars, Elizabeth has moved on with her life and found love in Paris. Last weekend Smart got married and is looking forward to a bright future.
In 2002, at the age of 14, Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was taken from the room she shared with her younger sister, Mary Katherine, who was present at the time of the abduction. Smart was held captive for 9 months by her abductors, Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Ileen Barzee. Mary Katherine later realized she recognized the man who took her sister as a man who referred to himself as Emmanuel, and had worked at the Smart’s house one day. The family used a sketch artist to draw his face and released the image on “America’s Most Wanted.” He was then spotted with Elizabeth just 18 miles from her home in Sandy, Utah.
In 2002, at the age of 14, Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was taken from the room she shared with her younger sister, Mary Katherine, who was present at the time of the abduction. Smart was held captive for 9 months by her abductors, Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Ileen Barzee. Mary Katherine later realized she recognized the man who took her sister as a man who referred to himself as Emmanuel, and had worked at the Smart’s house one day. The family used a sketch artist to draw his face and released the image on “America’s Most Wanted.” He was then spotted with Elizabeth just 18 miles from her home in Sandy, Utah.
Smart testified against Brian in 2010 when he stood trial for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault. She described her abduction as “nine months of hell” as Mitchell performed a marriage ceremony uniting them and then constantly raped her. She bravely told Mitchell, “I want you to know I have a wonderful life now.” The jury denied his insanity plea and sentenced him to life in jail. Smart was later hired as an ABC contributor to create awareness about missing children. Smart is able to give a personal perspective on the feelings of those abducted and how it affects their families.
Last year Smart travelled to Paris for her Mormon mission. During her time in France she met fellow Mormon, Matthew Gilmour from Scotland. After a whirlwind romance the two were engaged in January. Although they had planned on having a summer wedding, the publicity and hype from the engagement caused them to make a few last minute changes. Last weekend Elizabeth and her family headed off to Hawaii for an intimate and private marriage ceremony at the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After all Elizabeth has been through it would not be surprising to see her life be constantly shadowed and darkened by her past. But instead she has decided and made it clear that it will not define her and she is determined to move on and lead a happy life. Not only is she a positive role model, she helps fellow kidnap victims and creates awareness for this cause. She truly is a strong and amazing woman for overcoming the obstacles that have been put in her way. Now that she has found her own Prince Charming, it’s good to see she will be able to live her own happily ever after.
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