After eight long years of delays, Elizabeth Smart will finally go face to face with the man accused of kidnapping her.Jury selection begins today in the federal trial of Brian David Mitchell, the man accused of keeping Smart, who was 14 at the time, in his custody for nine months.
The delays were caused by questions about his mental health and a jump from state to federal court.
Smart’s disappearance riveted the country as thousands searched Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains to find her.
She was rescued nine months later after motorists spotted her walking the streets of a Salt Lake City suburb.
Mitchell, 57, is accused of slicing through a kitchen window screen and kidnapping Smart in the middle of the night. He faces federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in a federal prison.
Finally, after eight years, hopefully the Smart family will find some peace and justice.
“It’s certainly been a long time coming,” Ed Smart, Elizabeth’s father said Thursday. “We’re very confident in the prosecution.”
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