"When Elizabeth is finally home, the story she tells police and to her parents is one that is truly unforgettable." — Host
"I mean, it was terrifying. It was horrific and it did force me to grow up in a span of hours." — Elizabeth Smart
"The number one comment that we get is that no one believes me or I'm afraid to tell people because I don't think anyone will believe me." — Elizabeth Smart
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the disturbing case of Elizabeth Smart's abduction at the age of 14. The narrative begins with the initial moments of the kidnapping, detailing how Elizabeth was taken from her bedroom in the middle of the night. The subsequent investigation is presented as a complex and frustrating process, initially hampered by a contaminated crime scene and the immediate suspicion falling on individuals close to the family. The episode highlights the profiling efforts by the FBI, which pointed towards a premeditated sex offense by an abductor with prior issues.
The investigation then shifts focus to a list of contractors and handymen who had access to the Smart home. Richard Rhetsy, a former handyman with a significant criminal record, emerges as a primary suspect. Despite circumstantial evidence and intensive interrogation tactics, Rhetsy maintains his innocence, and crucial forensic evidence linking him to the scene remains elusive. The plot thickens with a copycat attempted kidnapping of Elizabeth's cousin, further complicating the police's conviction that Rhetsy was their man. Rhetsy's death in jail further stymied the official investigation.
A critical turning point occurs months later when Elizabeth's younger sister, Mary Catherine, recalls a street preacher named Emmanuel, whose voice she recognized from the night of the abduction. This leads investigators to Brian David Mitchell, who, along with his wife Wanda Barzi, had kept Elizabeth captive for nine months. The episode concludes with Elizabeth's eventual rescue, her powerful testimony, and her subsequent work as a survivor advocate, emphasizing the importance of believing survivors, providing support, and raising awareness about sexual violence prevention.