Elizabeth Smart Reveals Captor Planned to Kidnap Her Cousin as Next ‘Wife’
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Elizabeth Smart, the survivor of a notorious kidnapping that gripped the nation over a decade ago, has disclosed chilling new details about her abductor’s plans during her nine-month captivity. In a recent interview, Smart revealed that Brian David Mitchell, who held her captive when she was 14 years old, intended to abduct her teenage cousin Olivia Wright as his next “wife.”
“I remember he said to me, ‘She’s supposed to be the next wife,’” Smart told Fox News Digital. “He had a whole plan to kidnap seven young girls, and we would all be his wives. I just happened to be the first girl he kidnapped.” The revelation sheds light on Mitchell’s disturbing ambitions beyond Smart’s abduction, a fact that had remained largely unknown to the public until now.
Mitchell’s scheme included a calculated attempt to seize Olivia Wright on July 24, a state holiday in Utah. He believed the holiday would provide cover for his crime, assuming that people would be distracted by fireworks and barbecues. “When he said that, my stomach dropped,” Smart recalled. “It felt like I had directed him to her.”
Elizabeth Smart’s story has been a beacon of resilience and survival since her rescue in 2003. Her experience has also fueled advocacy efforts to raise awareness about abduction and personal safety. She recently shared advice on identifying “red flags” and staying safe, particularly for young women, in a video interview that can be found on various platforms.
The abduction and subsequent rescue of Smart led to significant changes in how law enforcement and communities respond to missing persons cases. The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to prioritize child abduction cases, utilizing advanced technologies and community outreach programs to prevent similar tragedies.
Smart’s story has also been revisited in the new Netflix documentary “Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart,” which features never-before-heard interviews and insights into her ordeal and recovery. The documentary aims to provide a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional impact of such crimes.
Experts emphasize that the tactics used by Mitchell, including targeting family members and exploiting public distractions, are common in abduction cases. The National Institute of Justice offers resources and research on preventing child abductions and supporting survivors.
Elizabeth Smart’s courage in sharing these new details underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and education in protecting vulnerable individuals. Her advocacy work aligns with efforts by organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which partners with law enforcement and communities to combat child abduction and exploitation.
As authorities continue to study cases like Smart’s, the hope remains that increased awareness and improved safety measures will prevent future kidnappings. For now, Smart’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk even within families and communities, and the importance of supporting survivors in their journeys toward healing.
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