Elizabeth Smart: The Full Story of Her Kidnapping, Rescue, and Legacy

Elizabeth Smart is one of the most well-known kidnapping survivors in American history. Her case captured national attention in 2002 and has resurfaced in the spotlight with the release of the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart in January 2026.

Who Is Elizabeth Smart?

Elizabeth Ann Smart (born November 3, 1987) is an American activist, author, and child safety advocate. She first came into the public eye at age 14 when she was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah — an event that sparked intense media coverage and a nationwide search.

How and When Was Elizabeth Smart Kidnapped?

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth was taken from her Salt Lake City bedroom late at night while her younger sister, Mary Katherine, pretended to be asleep. She was kidnapped by Brian David Mitchell, a self-proclaimed preacher, who entered the home and forced Elizabeth out at knifepoint.

Mitchell took Elizabeth into the nearby woods, where his accomplice and wife, Wanda Barzee, was waiting. The two held her captive for about nine months, moving her between camps in Utah and California and subjecting her to ongoing abuse and trauma.

How Long Was Elizabeth Smart Missing?

Elizabeth was reported missing for nine months — from June 2002 until March 12, 2003, when she was spotted with Mitchell and Barzee walking in Sandy, Utah. Observant citizens recognized them from media coverage, leading to Elizabeth’s rescue and the arrest of her captors.

Who Kidnapped Elizabeth Smart?

Elizabeth’s kidnapping was carried out by:

Brian David Mitchell

Mitchell, a 48-year-old man at the time, abducted Elizabeth believing he had a divine mission. He later claimed himself a prophet and manipulated religious teachings to control her during captivity. Authorities ultimately convicted him of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor for sexual activity, sentencing him to life in federal prison without parole in 2010.

Wanda Barzee

Barzee, Mitchell’s then-wife and accomplice, aided in Elizabeth’s abduction and captivity. She was convicted of kidnapping and served around nine years of her 15-year sentence before being released in 2018 with federal supervision. Barzee was later arrested again in 2025 for violating parole conditions related to her registration as a sex offender.

The Role of Elizabeth Smart’s Family — Including Lois Smart

Elizabeth’s mother, Lois Smart, along with her father, Ed Smart, were instrumental during the search and afterward. Following the abduction, the Smart family launched widespread publicity efforts and stayed in the public eye supporting the search. Their advocacy helped maintain attention on the case until Elizabeth’s rescue.

Netflix Documentary: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart

Netflix released Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on Jan. 21, 2026, which delves deeply into Elizabeth’s experience — including the abduction, her time in captivity, and her life after rescue. The documentary features interviews with Elizabeth herself, her family members, investigators, and archival footage never before widely seen.

The film also explores how Elizabeth regained control of her story and shaped its telling with purpose and resilience — aiming to humanize survivors and raise awareness about sexual violence and abduction.

Life After Rescue

After her ordeal, Elizabeth returned to her family and resumed her life. She later married Matthew Gilmour, whom she met on a missionary trip, and they have three children together. Elizabeth has become a prominent advocate for missing persons and survivor support through public speaking, bestselling books, and the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.

Legacy and Impact

Elizabeth’s story remains deeply impactful, not only because of the harrowing circumstances of her kidnapping but also because of her resilience and advocacy in the decades since. Her experience is a reminder of the importance of awareness, public vigilance, and compassion for survivors of trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long was Elizabeth Smart missing?

A: Elizabeth was missing for nine months after her abduction in June 2002 until her rescue in March 2003.

Q: Who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart?

A: She was kidnapped by Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee.

Q: What is the Elizabeth Smart documentary on Netflix?

A: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (2026) is a true-crime documentary that revisits her kidnapping and survival story in Elizabeth’s own words and through new interviews.