Elizabeth Smart kidnapper arrested after visiting Utah parks
Share and Follow


SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Wanda Barzee, the woman convicted of kidnapping then 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart with her husband in 2002, was arrested and booked into jail on Thursday, according to court records.

On May 1, Barzee, 79, was booked into jail, accused of violating Sex Offender Registry requirements by visiting parks in Salt Lake City. Brent Weisberg, spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department, said detectives arrested her at her home without incident.

Documents say she told police she went to local Liberty Park to feed ducks in early April because “she was commanded to by the Lord.” Barzee also reportedly admitted to visiting another area park.

Barzee became a registered sex offender after she was convicted for her involvement in the kidnapping and rape of Smart. She served 15 years in prison before being released in 2018.

At the time of Barzee’s release, Elizabeth Smart asked the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole not to release her kidnapper, saying she was a danger. But officials said Barzee had served her sentence and there was nothing to keep her in prison. She was on probation for five years after her release and was required to participate in a mental health program.

According to Utah law, registered child sex offenders are prohibited from going to areas where children congregate such as parks and schools. Offenders convicted of violating this law are subject to a class A misdemeanor charge, which can be punished with up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Barzee was booked in the Salt Lake County Jail and has since been released.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The Southern city defying America's housing market collapse

Southern City’s Resilient Housing Market Defies National Downturn

Once overshadowed by more prominent Southern cities such as Charleston, Atlanta, and…
U.S. Curling Team trains at Minnesota Vikings facility ahead of 2026 Olympics

U.S. Curling Team Prepares for 2026 Olympics at Minnesota Vikings’ State-of-the-Art Facility

Top-tier curlers are leveraging an NFL training facility to enhance their strength…
Major storm system threatens Midwest with high winds, snow and rain before sweeping into Northeast

Powerful Storm Set to Unleash High Winds, Snow, and Rain Across Midwest and Northeast

Following a significant winter storm that recently covered parts of the Northeast…
Giants takeaways, report card from NFL Week 17 win over Raiders

Giants’ Dominant Performance: Key Takeaways and Report Card from Week 17 Triumph Over Raiders

The Giants’ commanding 34-10 win over the Raiders offered several insights worth…
Trevor Lawrence runs for 2 scores as Jaguars close in on AFC South title with 23-17 win over Colts

Trevor Lawrence’s Dual Touchdowns Propel Jaguars Toward AFC South Crown in Victory Over Colts

With a decisive victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars are…
Bikini-clad Heidi Klum, 52, dries off with a kooky toyboy towel

Heidi Klum, 52, Makes a Splash with Unique Towel Choice in Stunning Bikini Snapshot

Heidi Klum was spotted on the sun-kissed beaches of St. Barths, drying…
Shocking moment heartless Amazon driver damages car before fleeing

Amazon Driver Allegedly Damages Vehicle and Leaves Scene in Startling Incident

Startling footage from a surveillance camera recently captured an Amazon delivery driver…
Nicola Peltz 'takes another swipe' at the Beckham family amid feud

Nicola Peltz Allegedly Continues Tensions with the Beckham Family in Ongoing Dispute

On Sunday, Nicola Peltz seemed to take another subtle swipe at her…