Five years after her kidnapping nightmare ended, there is finally hope that there will be justice for Elizabeth Smart.
A judge has ruled that one of her kidnappers can be forcibly medicated to stand trial.
Although Elizabeth, now 20, isn’t happy about facing her abductors in court, pals say she’s celebrating the judge’s decision because it could ultimately lead to a conviction.
Wanda Barzee, 62, and her husband, Brian David Mitchell, 54, were charged with kidnapping and several other felonies in connection with Elizabeth’s 2002 abduction.
But a Utah court determined that the couple was incompetent to stand trial. A lengthy court battle has now ended with the ruling that Barzee can be forcibly medicated to make her mentally well enough for a trial.
The court has not ruled whether Mitchell will be forcibly medicated as well.
“Elizabeth believes it’s a step in the right direction,” said a pal.
“She really isn’t looking forward to having to take the stand and relive that traumatic experience, but she’s willing to do almost anything to keep these two off the streets.”
