SALT LAKE CITY—
A state court judge said doctors at a Utah State Hospital determined Friday that the woman accused in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart is now mentally competent to stand trial. The woman, Wanda Barzee, was forced to take medication in an effort to restore her mental competency. And after an evaluation, doctors said she now appears to be a different and better person. A hearing was set by Judge Judith Atherton for Nov. 19 to determine if Barzee will go to trial based on the new evidence.This landmark decision comes nearly five years after the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart in 2002. Defense attorneys for Barzee are trying to determine what to do with the information.
Judge Atherton will decide on the merits of the mental evaluation and will make the final decision on whether Barzee is fit for trial. Barzee's mother said her daughter is now "more like herself."
The 63-year-old woman has been receiving psychiatric care ordered by the court since May 2008. She was arrested along with her alleged accomplice and estranged husband, Brian David Mitchell, and both are charged with several felonies for the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.
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