Elizabeth Smart kidnapper ruled incompetent to stand trial, may be forced to take medication

December 19, 2006
By Rick Ross

Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Brian David Mitchell screamed, "Arise and shed thyself loose of all filth and excrement and vomit" at a judge in Utah court this month.

Mitchell said Judge Judith Atherton was wearing "robes of the false priesthood." And added "How dare you wear those filthy robes . . . Forsake those robes and kneel in the dust!"

Bailiffs took Mitchell to a holding cell.

The judge determined that Mitchell remains incompetent to stand trial.

In previous court appearances Mitchell has sang songs and shouted warnings, which have repeatedly caused him to be removed from the courtroom.

During 12 months at the Utah State Hospital, Mitchell has refused all treatment. Doctors may force him to take medication as a final option to make Mitchell fit for trial.

Prosecutors intend to file a motion specifically focused upon forcing Mitchell to take medication.

Earlier this year Wanda Eileen Barzee, Mitchell's follower and co-defendant, became Utah's first defendant to undergo what is called a "Sell hearing" to force her to take medication.

The court ruled that Barzee should be forcibly medicated. Prosecutors said that Barzee has a 70 percent chance of becoming competent, if given anti-psychotic drugs.

Barzee's defense attorneys appealed to the Utah Supreme Court, which has taken the matter under advisement.

Mitchell abducted 14-year- old Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002, apparently to become his "wife." Smart was found and rescued by police nine months later, March 12, 2003.

Note: This report is based upon an article written by Stephen Hunt titled "Accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper rants in court, ruled incompetent for trial" published by The Salt Lake City Tribune December 18, 2006