The man who abducted Elizabeth when she was 14, held her hostage and sexually abused her for nine grueling months has finally received his sentence — he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Elizabeth Smart, now 23, and her parents Mary Katherine and Ed Smartwitnessed the sentencing in a Salt Like City courtroom on Wednesday, May 25, where the judge announced that her kidnapper Brian David Mitchell would be incarcerated in federal prison for the rest of his life. The man who made her world a living nightmare will finally get the punishment he deserves.In December 2010, a jury convicted Mitchell of felony kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
“I also want you to know that I have a wonderful life now, that no matter what you do it will never affect me again. You took away nine months of my life that can never be returned, but in this life or next, you will have to be held responsible for those actions, and I hope you are ready for when that time comes.”
And her father made sure to speak his peace as well, letting Mitchell know that he will suffer, but not nearly as worse as his daughter did during the nine months of her captivity.
“Your perversion and exploitation of religion is not a defense,” Ed Smart said. “It is disgusting and it is an abuse that anyone should despise. Regardless of what the defense has proposed, you put Elizabeth through nine months of psychological hell. I hope at some time in your life you find what out you have done is wrong. Whether it’s your time on earth or in eternity, you’re going to have to face the guilt. … I hope at some point in your life you’re going to be able to repent of it.”
We are happy Elizabeth’s case has finally come to an end, although we know what Mitchell put her through will be imprinted in her mind for the rest of her life.
Do you think Mitchell got the sentence he deserved?
