Where is Elizabeth Smart now? Updates after the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart is currently living in Midway, Utah, with her husband, Matthew Gilmour, and their three children: Chloe, Olivia, and James. At 38 years of age, Elizabeth Smart is living a life centered on family and working as an advocate for the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which is an organization that helps victims of s*xual assault and works towards educating children on how to stay safe.

Elizabeth Smart has written books about her ordeal and is also part of campaigns such as We Believe You to raise awareness among communities to help victims. Her case has also been featured in the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart. In 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted at knifepoint from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Brian David Mitchell, a stranger her family had temporarily hired to do some handyman chores, and his wife, Wanda Barzee.

Held captive for nine months in isolated campsites, she suffered s*xual abuse and psychological manipulation in the guise of religious practices. Her abduction triggered a massive search operation involving the police, citizens, and extensive media coverage. She was finally rescued in March 2003 after being recognized in public. The abduction of Smart brought to light problems in child abduction cases. The documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is available on Netflix, having been released on January 21, 2026.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart: The abduction

Elizabeth Smart was sleeping in her home in Salt Lake City on June 5, 2002, when Brian David Mitchell broke in through a cut screen window and kidnapped her at knifepoint. Mary Katherine, her younger sister, witnessed the crime but failed to recognize the attacker during the initial identification process. Mitchell, who had previously worked for the Smart family as a handyman using the alias “Immanuel,” took Smart to a campsite in the foothills of the nearby mountains.

The criminal committed his offense because of religious beliefs which led him to treat Smart as his “wife” after conducting a fake marriage ritual. The kidnapping started one of the largest search operations in United States history. The police were investigating new information which included a composite sketch that Mary Katherine had created from her memory of Mitchell’s voice. The first suspect was a handyman named Richard Ricci, who died in police custody due to other reasons.

Captivity and ordeal

Smart spent nine months in makeshift camps which were located in the Utah wilderness until authorities transferred her to California. Mitchell and Barzee took turns to abuse Smart by committing r*pe against her while they denied her food and forced her to perform labor. Mitchell used chains to restrain her while he forced her to practice his religious beliefs which included giving her a new identity and warning her about possible violence if she attempted to run away.

Barzee used her power to bully Smart who she considered to be her competitor. The failed attempt by Mitchell to abduct Smart’s cousin occurred in July 2002 which established his intention to marry multiple women. The group of three people moved to Lakeside, California in October to escape detection while they used robes and veils to hide Smart’s identity.

The people who wanted to escape their situation were unable to do so because they were afraid and their minds had been manipulated through brainwashing techniques. Smart later disclosed her need to maintain hope because she experienced both physical and emotional mistreatment. The case showed how kidnappers maintain control over their victims through techniques that involve isolating and manipulating them. The media coverage of the case went up, but the investigators faced challenges in their search because they pursued incorrect information.

Rescue and legal proceedings

Smart was identified on March 12, 2003, by bystanders in Sandy, Utah, resulting in police intervention and her rescue. Mitchell and Barzee were arrested after Smart was able to verify her identity. Her reunion with her family received extensive media attention, focusing on the role of the community in her rescue. Mitchell was charged with kidnapping, s*xual assault, and burglary, while Barzee was charged as an accessory.

Court cases were delayed because of competency hearings. Mitchell was declared competent in 2010 and received a life sentence with no parole. Barzee pleaded guilty in 2009, receiving a 15-year sentence, and was released in 2018 after serving time. Barzee broke s*x offender rules when he entered restricted parks which led to his 2025 arrest. Smart testified in trials, helping convictions.

The incident resulted in new laws which established child protection measures and s*x offender registration requirements. Smart completed therapy and school after his rescue, and he graduated from Brigham Young University.

Current life and advocacy

Currently, Elizabeth Smart is involved in advocacy and family life in Utah. She established the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011 to address s*xual violence through education and support for victims. The foundation offers programs on self-defense and victim response. Smart has authored books, such as My Story in 2013, and a new biography on resilience. She gives public talks, such as on America’s Most Wanted, and works with law enforcement on missing children cases.

In 2025-2026, she promoted the Netflix documentary to raise awareness, stressing that victims can have a full life. Her parents are supportive; Ed campaigns for safety legislation, while Lois concentrates on family. Mitchell is serving a life sentence in an Arizona prison; Barzee is living with restrictions in Utah. Smart is involved in campaigns to believe victims and provide recovery resources. She enjoys outdoor activities with her children and keeps a low profile while advocating.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Hilfa Khan

Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.