SALT LAKE CITY—
A federal judge has ruled that the man charged in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart is mentally competent to stand trial. U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball issued the 149-page ruling Monday, which said 56-year-old former street preacher Brian David Mitchell "does not presently suffer from a mental disease or defect that impedes his rational and factual understanding."The ruling follows a 10-day mental competency hearing in court for Mitchell in December. Smart testified against Mitchell along with several members of law enforcement and mental health experts. No word yet on when the trial will be scheduled.
The U.S. Attorney's Office released a statement saying, ""This is a significant step forward holding the defendant accountable for his conduct. Elizabeth Smart, her family and this community have waited many years for resolution of this case. The court's determination that the defendant is competent to stand trial moves us toward that resolution."
FOX 13 talked with Elizabeth's father Ed Smart, who said "This is a happy day."
Mitchell is accused of kidnapping Smart when she was 14 back in 2002, as a polygamous wife to fulfill a religious prophecy. She was discovered in March 2003 walking the streets of Sandy with Mitchell and Barzee.
Mitchell's estranged wife Wanda Barzee struck a plea deal with prosecutors and is now serving time in prison.
Stay with FOX 13 News and fox13now.com for the latest developments on this story.
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