(LibertySociety.com) – Wanda Barzee, who gained notoriety for her role in the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart, was recently apprehended once more in Salt Lake City for alleged probation violations.
At a Glance
- Barzee was arrested for visiting prohibited parks, contravening her sex offender probation terms.
- Barzee, 79, claimed divine inspiration drove her to the parks in Salt Lake City.
- The abduction of Smart in 2002 resulted in significant legal consequences for both Barzee and her husband.
- Barzee previously served almost nine years, with a controversial early release in 2018.
Probation Violation Allegations
Wanda Barzee, 79, was arrested for violating her sex offender probation by visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, areas from which she was restricted due to her criminal status. Her return to these parks allegedly stemmed from a belief that a higher power instructed her to do so, according to statements made by Barzee herself.
During her original sentencing, Barzee received a 15-year prison term in 2010 for her involvement in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, alongside her husband, Brian David Mitchell. A miscalculation led to her early release in 2018, sparking criticism from Elizabeth Smart and community members, especially with Barzee’s proximity to an elementary school.
The Original Crime and Its Aftermath
The infamous abduction took place in 2002 when Smart was forcibly removed from her bedroom at knifepoint by Barzee and Mitchell. The young girl endured nine months of captivity and was a victim of repeated assaults before finally being rescued. The case has been widely reported, leaving a profound impact on the public and resulting in Mitchell serving a life sentence.
Following Barzee’s release, she was mandated to comply with several conditions, including avoiding contact with the Smart family, undergoing mental health treatment, and abstaining from visiting community parks. Despite these restrictions, her recent actions have once again placed her in the legal spotlight.
Community Concerns
The re-arrest of Barzee highlights perennial challenges associated with monitoring convicted offenders within community settings. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety and security of local residents, notably the most vulnerable groups, such as children, who frequent these accessible public spaces. The parole system and its ability to shield communities from such individuals remain under scrutiny.
Elizabeth Smart’s public disapproval of Barzee’s habitation near schools and her early release reflects the anxiety shared by community advocates who argue for stricter enforcement and continuous oversight of individuals with such criminal histories.
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