Couple charged in Smart kidnapping - Action News
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Couple charged in Smart kidnapping

Couple charged in Smart kidnapping, face life in prison.

Brian Mitchell, a self-appointed prophet for the homeless, and his wife were charged Tuesday with kidnapping, sexual assault and burglary in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart.

Bail for Mitchell, 49, and Wanda Barzee, 57, was set at $10 million each.

Mitchell, an excommunicated Mormon, told his lawyer he considers 15-year-old Elizabeth his wife.

Elizabeth was taken from her bedroom in June 2002. She was discovered last Wednesday walking with Mitchell and Barzee in the Salt Lake suburb of Sandy.

David Yocum, Salt Lake City District Attorney, alleges Elizabeth was kidnapped at knifepoint and forced to walk to a hidden mountain campsite. Both she and her family were threatened with death, police allege.

Mitchell and Barzee will make their first court appearance by video Wednesday morning, said Yocum.

Under U.S. laws, aggravated sexual assault charges can result in a life sentence.