Raw and Racy Insights on Elizabeth Smart's Safety Tips for Young Women
Wanda Barzee, a known kidnapper of Elizabeth Smart, taken into custody for suspected sex offender infraction.
Elizabeth Smart, a woman who survived a harrowing 9-month ordeal as a 14-year-old kidnapping victim, dishes out advice on staying safe and spotting warning signs.
Recent news headlines have reeled in Wanda Barzee, convicted over two decades ago for her part in Smart's kidnapping, getting nabbed for allegedly flouting sex offender norms. The Salt Lake City, Utah, police apprehended her at home on May 1, 2025, suspected of visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, places she is barred from as a registered sex offender. According to Fox 13 Salt Lake City, Barzeeclaimed that she was forced by some divine decree to grace Liberty Park and had a penchant for federating ducks at the parks[1][2][4].
Utah's Got the Blues: Legal Eagles Don’t Appreciate Sex Offenders Hanging Out in Their Parks
In the world of law, sex offenders are straight-up prohibited from occupying certain "protected areas," including popular public spaces such as parks[2][4].
Fast forward 19 years. Elizabeth Smart was snatched from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 by Brian David Mitchell and his accomplice, Wanda Barzee, in a truly terrifying display of violence. Fourteen years her senior, the vile duo held her captive for nine months, forcing her into a polygamous "marriage" and brutally raping her almost daily[3]. Elizabeth was found on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, a Salt Lake City suburb, tagging along with Barzee and Mitchell[3]. Despite her initial fear, she eventually admitted her true identity[3]. Barzee was handed a 15-year prison sentence after working hand-in-glove with the FBI and the state of Utah to nail Mitchell, who was given a life sentence[3].
A Second Chance: Barzee Is Back, but She's No Angel
Released from prison in 2018, Barzee was conditionally discharged into federal supervision and rampant public scrutiny for five more years, adding her name to the sex offender registry[2][5]. Her father, Ed, expressed concerns to KUTV, a CBS affiliate, despite doubting Barzee posed a direct risk to Elizabeth. He emphasized that the phrase "God told me to" was dangerously ambiguous, potentially opening up a Pandora's box of excuses for nefarious activities[3].
However, Barzee's attorney, Scott Williams, downplayed these concerns, telling KUTV that Barzee was most likely unaware of her violation. Williams added that Barzee posed no threat to anyone[3].
Breaking general-news reports on Wanda Barzee, the convicted accomplice in Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping, raise questions about her compliance with sex offender norms. The Salt Lake City police announced on May 1, 2025, that they had charged Barzee with visiting prohibited areas, specifically parks, in violation of her sex offender status.
While Elizabeth Smart cautions young women about their safety and spotting warning signs, it seems that Barzee's alleged actions fly in the face of the advice given. With her release from prison in 2018, Barzee's mental-health and adherence to the law have become topics of interest and concern.
In light of the latest developments, the health-and-wellness and sexual-health communities might focus on providing support to victims like Elizabeth Smart, as well as addressing the challenges faced by those who have served their time and are attempting to reintegrate into society. The crime-and-justice system, too, may need to reassess strategies for managing and monitoring offenders, especially in light of allegations that Barzee was unaware of her violation.
