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Elizabeth Smart: 'I Feel So Lucky'

Kidnapping victim says abduction made her grow up

By Elizabeth Wolff,  Newser User

Posted Jun 12, 2008 11:33 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Elizabeth Smart was just 14 when she was kidnapped from her bedroom 6 years ago, but says she emerged from the 9-month ordeal unscathed. People profiles the 20-year-old, now a music major at Brigham Young University, who says, "I feel so lucky to be here. From the day I came home, I haven't wasted time looking back."    

"I feel so fortunate that I was able to come through this unscarred. I want to tell other people, 'Don't give up. Miracles do happen,' " she tells the magazine. "I'm not sorry this happened to me anymore, because it made me grow up."

Brian Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, in March 2003 mug shots, were indicted in the spring spring on federal charges on top of the state counts they already face for the 2002 abduction.
Brian Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, in March 2003 mug shots, were indicted in the spring spring on federal charges on top of the state counts they already face for the 2002 abduction.   (AP Photo/Salt Lake County Sheriff, File)
Elizabeth Smart speaks about her 9-month abduction 6 years ago, saying her story might help other children.
Elizabeth Smart speaks about her 9-month abduction 6 years ago, saying her story might help other children.   (People)
In 2006, Elizabeth Smart attended President Bush's signing of the Adam Walsh Child Protection And Safety bill, which she and her father helped get passed.
In 2006, Elizabeth Smart attended President Bush's signing of the Adam Walsh Child Protection And Safety bill, which she and her father helped get passed.   (Getty Images)
Elizabeth Smart accepts the Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Courage Award in 2004.
Elizabeth Smart accepts the Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Courage Award in 2004.   (Getty Images)
This photo of Elizabeth Smart was released after her 2002 abduction.
This photo of Elizabeth Smart was released after her 2002 abduction.   (Getty Images)
Elizabeth Smart's parents never gave up their dogged search for their missing daughter during her nine-month captivity in 2002-2003.
Elizabeth Smart's parents never gave up their dogged search for their missing daughter during her nine-month captivity in 2002-2003.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
jimbojumpback
Dec 12, 2010 10:01 PM CST
i think Elizabeth's abduction was a criminal act in the first degree and the maximm charges should be applied from the start which starts from breaking and entering, terrositic threat and so on and that he should receive the maximum penility and the same goes for his wife, other girlfriend or whatever who was an apparent acomplice..This was an horrible unjustice against any one .

Elizabeth Smart fears kidnappers will come after her again
ABC News

The case against Elizabeth Smart's captors
Court TV

Smart relatives say Elizabeth was brainwashed by captors
New York Times

 
kidnapping • Salt Lake City • recovery • miracle • missing person • interview • Elizabeth Smart

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