Mitchell found guilty in Elizabeth Smart kidnapping

[News_Editor]

Mitchell found guilty in Elizabeth Smart kidnapping

2010-12-11 01:52:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (BNO NEW) -- Former street preacher Brian David Mitchell was convicted on Friday of the 2002 kidnapping of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her Utah bedroom, only to resurface months later after a horrific series of sexual abuse.

Mitchell, 57, was convicted of kidnapping Smart, now 23, on June 5, 2002 when he broke into her Utah bedroom and placed a knife up to her neck, threatening to kill her and her family if she did not comply. Her 9-year-old sister witnessed the kidnapping but kept quiet in fear.

Hours later, after Smart had been led to a camp in the woods, Mitchell performed a ceremony to 'marry' the child. He then raped her at the camp.

The sexual abuse continued for nine months in which she was submitted to daily rapes and forced to watch pornographic movies. He often forced her to drink alcohol in order to lower her resistance.

On Friday, during a trial that had been delayed for many years over mental competency issues, Mitchell was found guilty on one count of kidnapping and one count of unlawful transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity.

Late last month, Mitchell was taken to a Salt Lake City hospital after he collapsed in court. He had earlier entered the court singing "O Holy Night" and was seated at the defense table in shackles when he suddenly stopped singing, began yelling and then collapsed.

Mitchell had constantly exhibited odd behavior throughout the trial. On one occasion, he was even thrown out of court for singing hymns for about 30 minutes.

Mitchell's sentencing is scheduled for May 25. He faces up to life in prison.

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