Prosecutors Ask Judge To Force Barzee To Take Medication

Associated Press/October 18, 2005

Salt Lake City -- Salt Lake County prosecutors have asked a judge to consider forcing Elizabeth Smart's alleged kidnapper Wanda Barzee to take anti-psychotic medication.

The judge set a hearing on the matter for February 16th. On that day, the judge will hear testimony from experts and then weigh several factors. They include whether there's substantial likelihood that drugs can make Barzee mentally competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors claim doctors at the Utah State Hospital have exhausted all possibilities except for drugs. However, Barzee's lawyers claim drugs should NOT be used because there's little likelihood they will change her mental condition.

Barzee has refused to take drugs or participate in group therapy at the hospital.

Barzee's estranged husband, Brian David Mitchell, was also found incompetent to stand trial and is currently being treated at the state hospital.