Where Is Brian David Mitchell Now? The Shocking Current Status Of Elizabeth Smart's Kidnapper

The harrowing case of Elizabeth Smart’s 2002 kidnapping remains one of the most infamous and disturbing crimes in modern American history, and the man responsible, Brian David Mitchell, is serving a life sentence for his heinous acts. As of late 2025, the focus shifts from the original crime to the current status of Mitchell, who has recently been at the center of unsettling news regarding his safety and location within the federal prison system.

The latest information confirms that Mitchell, who referred to himself as "Emmanuel," has been transferred out of a major federal penitentiary following multiple violent attacks. This recent movement underscores the unique and ongoing security challenges posed by a high-profile, mentally unstable inmate serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His current status is a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of the nine-month ordeal Elizabeth Smart endured.

Brian David Mitchell: A Complete Biographical Profile and Timeline

Brian David Mitchell is a figure whose life is inextricably linked to the dark history of the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping. His path from a religious fundamentalist to a convicted felon is a complex and disturbing narrative.

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• Full Name: Brian David Mitchell
• Aliases: Emmanuel (self-proclaimed prophet)
• Date of Birth: October 18, 1953
• Place of Birth: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Spouse/Accomplice: Wanda Elaine Barzee
• Crime: Kidnapping, unlawful transportation of a minor, and sexual assault.
• Victim: Elizabeth Ann Smart (age 14 at the time of abduction)
• Date of Abduction: June 5, 2002, from her home in Federal Heights, Salt Lake City.
• Date of Rescue: March 12, 2003 (found in Sandy, Utah, after nine months of captivity).
• Trial & Sentencing: Convicted on two federal counts in 2010. Sentenced on May 25, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball.
• Sentence: Two life sentences in federal prison without the possibility of parole.

Mitchell's descent into extremism began years before the kidnapping. He was reportedly excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and adopted a fundamentalist, polygamous ideology. He began referring to himself as "Emmanuel," believing he was a prophet of God and claiming to receive divine revelations, which he used to justify his actions and control his accomplice, Wanda Barzee. This bizarre religious delusion was a central component of his defense during the trial.

The Shocking Details of Mitchell's Federal Imprisonment

Since his 2011 conviction, Brian David Mitchell has been serving his life sentence within the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). His time in custody has been far from uneventful, marked by ongoing mental health issues and significant security concerns.

Recent Prison Attacks and Transfer

The most recent and concerning update regarding Mitchell's status revolves around a series of attacks he endured while incarcerated. Mitchell was previously held at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Terre Haute in Indiana, a high-security facility.

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Reports indicate that Mitchell survived at least two recent, violent attacks while in custody, even though he was reportedly housed in a "protected custody" unit. These incidents prompted his transfer out of USP Terre Haute. The transfer was necessary due to the severe security risks he faces as a notorious child kidnapper and rapist.

While the exact, most current prison facility is not always publicly disclosed for security reasons, the recent transfer signifies a major shift in his custodial status to ensure his continued isolation and safety from the general prison population. This move is a clear indication that, despite his life sentence, the management of Brian Mitchell remains a complex and high-priority issue for federal authorities.

The defense team during his trial often argued for his incompetence, citing his deteriorating mental state and religious delusions. His behavior, including singing during his sentencing hearing, reinforced the public's perception of his profound detachment from reality.

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The Fate of Mitchell's Accomplice: Wanda Barzee

No discussion of Brian David Mitchell is complete without acknowledging the role and subsequent fate of his accomplice and wife, Wanda Elaine Barzee. Barzee played a vital role in the kidnapping and the subsequent nine months of captivity, helping Mitchell to conceal Elizabeth Smart and participate in the abuse.

Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in 2009. However, a miscalculation by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole regarding the time she had previously served led to an unexpected early release.

She was originally scheduled for release in 2024, but her release date was dramatically moved up. Wanda Barzee was ultimately released from prison on September 19, 2018. Her release was met with public outcry and concern, though she was required to register as a sex offender and was placed under intensive supervision.

The contrasting outcomes—Mitchell serving a life sentence and Barzee being released—highlight the different legal and mental health considerations in their respective cases. Barzee's defense often centered on her own mental health issues and the coercive control Mitchell exerted over her, which played a role in her earlier release.

The Legacy of the Case and Elizabeth Smart's Resilience

The Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case, which captivated the nation in 2002 and 2003, is a landmark example of survival and the power of public awareness. The details of the abduction from the Smart family home in the quiet Federal Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake City shocked the community.

Elizabeth Smart herself has moved beyond the trauma to become a powerful advocate for missing persons and survivors of sexual violence. She married, has children, and travels the country to share her message of hope and resilience, ensuring that the focus remains on recovery and prevention rather than solely on the perpetrators.

The conviction of Brian David Mitchell for interstate kidnapping and the unlawful transportation of a minor sealed his fate to spend the rest of his life in a federal penitentiary. His continued presence in the prison system, despite the security risks and transfers, serves as the final chapter in the legal saga of the man who terrorized the Smart family. His confinement is a permanent consequence of his actions, a consequence that allows Elizabeth Smart to continue her life's work as a survivor and advocate.

The case continues to be studied by law enforcement and mental health professionals, offering insights into the minds of religious extremists and predators. While Brian Mitchell remains behind bars, the resilience of Elizabeth Smart ensures that her story is one of triumph over evil.