What Happened to Elizabeth Ann Gilmour (née Smart)?

Elizabeth Ann Smart gained national attention on June 5, 2002, when she was abducted at knifepoint from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 14. Her captors were Brian David Mitchell, a street preacher who had previously worked as a handyman for the Smart family, and his wife, Wanda Barzee. For nine months, Smart was held captive, subjected to daily rape, psychological abuse, and forced to wear disguises, including a veil, to conceal her identity. Mitchell, who believed he was a prophet, coerced Smart into a bizarre 'marriage' and moved her between crude campsites in Utah and San Diego County, California.

A critical turning point in the search came from Elizabeth's younger sister, Mary Katherine, who, despite pretending to be asleep during the abduction, later recalled the abductor's voice and recognized him as 'Immanuel,' a man who had worked for their family. This crucial detail helped authorities identify Mitchell. On March 12, 2003, Smart was rescued by police officers in Sandy, Utah, after witnesses recognized Mitchell and Barzee from an 'America's Most Wanted' episode.

Following her rescue, Smart became a powerful advocate for child safety and victims of sexual assault. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011, which focuses on prevention, recovery, and advocacy to end sexual violence. Smart has also been instrumental in promoting the AMBER Alert system and other legislation aimed at preventing abductions. She published her New York Times bestselling memoir, 'My Story,' in 2013, followed by 'Where There's Hope' in 2018, and 'Detours: Hope & Growth After Life's Hardest Turns' in late 2025, detailing her journey of healing and resilience.

In her personal life, Elizabeth Smart married Matthew Gilmour, a Scotsman she met while serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, in February 2012. They have three children and reside in Utah. Smart has spoken openly about discussing her past with her children in an age-appropriate manner. As of January 2026, a Netflix documentary titled 'Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart' premiered, offering her unfiltered account of the ordeal.

Regarding her captors, Brian David Mitchell was found guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault in May 2011 and sentenced to two life terms in federal prison without parole. He was transferred to FCI Lewisburg in Pennsylvania in October 2025 after experiencing at least two assaults in custody. Wanda Barzee pleaded guilty in 2009 and was sentenced to 15 years, but was released on parole in September 2018 for time served. She faced a parole violation in May 2025 for visiting a park as a registered sex offender, which Smart publicly commented on, expressing her ongoing concerns. Most recently, on April 21, 2026, Elizabeth Smart surprised her followers by revealing her participation in competitive bodybuilding, sharing photos and an emotional explanation of her journey into the sport as a testament to her strength and refusal to be embarrassed. She continues to be a sought-after speaker, with an upcoming 'Garden Party' fundraiser for her foundation scheduled for May 13, 2026.