Elizabeth Smart To Take Stand In Competency Hearing For Accused Abductor
Posted on Sep 28, 2009 @ 07:17PM
Elizabeth Smart is set to give testimony in court about her interactions with homeless street preacher Brian David Mitchell, who abducted her when she was 14 at knife point and held her hostage for nine months in 2002.
See shocking photos of the inside of Jaycee Lee Dugard's kidnapper's home
A judge ruled that Smart can give testimony on Thursday in a hearing to determine if Mitchell is mentally competent to stand trial.
See photos of Jaycee's backyard dungeon
Smart's testimony will be limited to the facts relating to her kidnapping and subsequent captivity and she will not be able to opine on Mitchell's state of mind.
Read and exclusive interview with Jaycee's aunt
"None of Ms. Smart's proposed testimony suggests that she will be opining on anything other than her lay observations," the judge said in his ruling.
A prosecutor says Smart will be able to provide important observations regarding Mitchell's behavior, including his preoccupation with sex, his lack of religious focus, his manipulation of others, his ability to lie and how he has rationalized his conduct.
See video of the police digging up Garrido's back yard
Mitchell was indicted last year on federal charges of kidnapping and coercion of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity after allegedly taking Smart from Utah to California.
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What a brave and beautiful young girl. Obviously her faith, family and friends have been supportive of her. I wish her all the best. She seems to be doing magnificently.
Posted Tue, 09/29/2009 - 9:21am
She has the face of an angel.....Has anyone else watched interviews with her father and come away from it feeling like he was a little...strange? I did..
Posted Tue, 09/29/2009 - 3:43am
Beautiful girl
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 10:18pm
This was something that had the potential to cripple Elizabeth for life, yet she came away from it with an incredible amount of strength, maturity, and resiliency. Much credit goes to her support system. I'm glad she's doing well.
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 9:44pm
I can't believe anyone would have anything but kind words for this young lady. She went through a hell none of us can remotely imagine. I wish Elizabeth the very best and think she's very brave.
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 9:07pm
maybe she kin to Kate&jon Gosselin about liking the attention it a addiction these people get!hope her the best in life
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 8:38pm
This girl really seems to like all the media attention. Just sayin...
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 8:03pm
What a jerk you are. This girl went through hell. She is very rarely in the media. She is blessed with a loving family that has helped her through this terrible ordeal. How dare you say something like that.
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 11:10pm
What media attention? She's testifying the facts surrounding her abduction! Sheesh!
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 9:46pm
you're foul...just sayin...
Posted Mon, 09/28/2009 - 9:39pm