[xtypo_dropcap]T[/xtypo_dropcap]he man who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart for nine months in 2002 was convicted on Friday, according to media reports. Brian David Mitchell, a 57-year-old homeless street preacher and self-proclaimed prophet, was convicted of kidnapping Smart from her home and sexually abusing her. She was 14 at the time.
“I am so thrilled with the verdict, but not only that I am so thrilled to stand before the people of America today and give hope to other victims who have not spoken out about what’s happened to them,” Smart, 23, told the Salt Lake Tribune.
By convicting Mitchell, the jury rejected the defense’s claims that Mitchell was insane.
He was convicted on unlawful transportation of a minor and sexual assault charges. He faces a maximum of life in prison once he is sentenced.
Jurors told CNN after the trial that they had to question whether or not Mitchell was insane throughout the entire trial.
“I am so thrilled with the verdict, but not only that I am so thrilled to stand before the people of America today and give hope to other victims who have not spoken out about what’s happened to them,” Smart, 23, told the Salt Lake Tribune.
By convicting Mitchell, the jury rejected the defense’s claims that Mitchell was insane.
He was convicted on unlawful transportation of a minor and sexual assault charges. He faces a maximum of life in prison once he is sentenced.
Jurors told CNN after the trial that they had to question whether or not Mitchell was insane throughout the entire trial.
