Abduction Survivor Elizabeth Smart Warns of Potential Dangers and Red Flags
Arrest Warrant Issued for Wanda Barzee over Accusations of Violating Sex Offender Regulations, formerly linked to Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapping.
Years after her harrowing kidnapping, Elizabeth Smart, now an advocate for children's safety, shares her insights on staying safe and identifying potential threats. Recent events involving her kidnapper's accomplice, Wanda Barzee, serve as a stark reminder of these important lessons.
Barzee, formerly convicted of kidnapping Smart two decades ago, was arrested anew for reportedly breaching sex offender regulations. This latest arrest transpired at her Salt Lake City residence on May 1, 2025, following allegations that she visited parks in violation of her registered sex offender status[1][5].
Amid the arrest, Barzee claimed that she was following divine instruction to visit Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, where she enjoyed leisure activities such as sitting on benches and feeding ducks[1][5]. Unfortunately, under Utah law, sex offenders are forbidden from entering designated "protected areas", which include public parks[1][4].
In 2002, Barzee, along with her husband Brian David Mitchell, abducted Elizabeth Smart at knifepoint, holding her captive for nine months[3]. During this ordeal, Mitchell forced Smart into a polygamous "marriage" and raped her almost daily. Smart was eventually rescued and identified by a concerned couple while walking in a suburban area with Barzee and Mitchell[3].
Barzee received a 15-year prison sentence for her role in the kidnapping, which she served until her release on parole in September 2018[5]. Mitchell remains imprisoned for life[2][5]. To this day, authorities maintain vigilance over Barzee's compliance[2].
Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father, expressed concern over Barzee's actions but doubts her intent to harm Elizabeth[4]. However, he expressed apprehension about her presence near children, citing her use of divine intervention as a loose excuse for potential wrongdoing[4].
Barzee's defense attorney, Scott Williams, expressed confidence that his client was unaware of her violation, and maintained that she poses no threat to anyone[4]. Yet, Smart's experience serves as a reminder for all to stay vigilant, recognize potential red flags, and take swift action to ensure safety.
[1] Thrasher, M. (2025, May 2). Wanda Barzee arrested for visiting parks prohibited for registered sex offenders. Fox 13 Salt Lake City. Available at: https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/wanda-barzee-arrested-for-visiting-salt-lake-city-parks-where-registered-sex-offenders-are-barred
[2] Heim, M., & Snyder, L. (2025, May 2). Wanda Barzee arrested for violating sex offender restrictions, Salt Lake City police say. The Salt Lake Tribune. Available at: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/05/02/wanda-barzee-arrested-violating-sex-offender-restraints-salt-lake-city-police-say/
[3] Jalloh, B. (2022, June 5). Elizabeth Smart abduction: A timeline of the 9-month ordeal. ABC News. Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/elizabeth-smart-abduction-timeline-9-month-ordeal/story?id=71391955
[4] Kim, A. et al. (2025, May 2). Elizabeth Smart's kidnapper Wanda Barzee arrested again in Utah for reported sex offender violation. KUTV. Available at: https://kutv.com/news/local/elizabeth-smarts-kidnapper-wanda-barzee-arrested-again-in-utah-for-reported-sex-offender-violation
[5] Nolasco, S., Casiano, L., & Lam, K. (2025, May 2). Abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart offers safety tips to young women. FOX News. Available at: https://www.foxnews.com/us/abduction-survivor-elizabeth-smart-safety-tips-young-women
- Elizabeth Smart, having survived a harrowing kidnapping two decades ago, now uses her experience to warn about potential dangers and identify red flags.
- Barzee, who was convicted of kidnapping Smart, was arrested again in 2025 for allegedly visiting parks in Salt Lake City, a violation of her registered sex offender status.
- In 2025, Barzee claimed that she was following divine instruction to visit Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, but under Utah law, sex offenders are forbidden from entering public parks.
- In 2025, Barzee was sentenced to prison for 15 years for her role in Smart's kidnapping and was released on parole in September 2018.
- The latest arrest of Barzee serves as a reminder for all to stay vigilant and recognize potential red flags to ensure safety.
- Elizabeth Smart's abduction story is not just a piece of breaking news, but a call to action for general news, health-and-wellness, sexual-health, and mental-health, as well as crime-and-justice sectors.
