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Subject: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Shaz on 03/12/03 at 03:39 p.m.


For those who followed this story:


SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ Elizabeth Smart, the 15-year-old girl who
vanished from her bedroom nearly eight months ago, was found alive
Wednesday during a traffic stop in suburban Salt Lake City, police
said.

``Miracles do exist,'' said the girl's uncle, Tom Smart.

The girl was found in the car of a drifter who was pulled over
in a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon, Sandy police spokeswoman
Michelle Burnette said.

``Two separate women called in and said they thought they had
spotted `Emmanuel,''' she said. Emmanuel, whose real name is Brian
David Mitchell, once did work on the Smart's home.

Sandy police pulled over Mitchell, another woman and a girl who
looked like Elizabeth. They later confirmed her identity, police
said.

Salt Lake City police detectives arrived to take over the
investigation. Smart was transferred to the Salt Lake city police
station. Mitchell was in custody at the Sandy police station.

Last month, Elizabeth's parents announced a new reward for
information and asked for help in their search for the handyman
known only as ``Emanuel.'' They released a sketch of the man.

At the time, they said Elizabeth's sister, Mary Katharine, had
come to them recently to say ``Emanuel'' bore some resemblance to
the man who took Elizabeth from their room at gunpoint.

Elizabeth's kidnapping was part of a frightening string of child
abductions that included the slayings of 7-year-old Danielle van
Dam of San Diego and 5-year-old Samantha Runnion of Orange County,
Calif.

Elizabeth was 14 when she was seized early on the morning of
June 5 in front of her 9-year-old sister by a gunman who may have
gotten into the house by cutting a window screen near the back
door. As the younger sister pretended to be asleep, the gunman
threatened to hurt Elizabeth if she didn't keep quiet.

The top potential suspect in the kidnapping, Richard Albert
Ricci, a handyman who once worked in the Smart household, died Aug.
30 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage while in prison on a
parole violation. He said he had nothing to do with the kidnapping.

Investigators have said they believe he was involved but may not
have acted alone.

Over the summer, the Smarts held twice-daily news briefings and
helped coordinate huge volunteer searches. Ed Smart, a real estate
broker, vowed to keep the case in the spotlight.

The family often got calls from the police, but it was never the
information they wanted to hear. Often, police were calling to
alert them to grisly discoveries that might be linked to their
missing daughter; they wanted the Smarts to know before the story
hit the news.

Sometimes, the news beat the police. Hands and feet had been
found in a canyon, or bones had been discovered in the desert,
according to the news. The Smarts would call police to ask if it
was Elizabeth. Every time, the answer was no.

Police said they followed up more than 16,000 leads from the
public in addition to those they have come up with themselves

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Hairspray on 03/12/03 at 03:48 p.m.

Amazing.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Race_Bannon on 03/12/03 at 04:09 p.m.

That is a great thing to see.  My curiosity is going nuts about this though.  The guy looks completely scary and she was found in SLC.  What's the story here?  Inquiring minds need to know.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Junior on 03/12/03 at 04:13 p.m.

Happy to see some good news in the world again.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Crazy Don on 03/12/03 at 04:18 p.m.

I was hoping Dagwood would post this story; after all, it happened near her…

I love happy endings!  ;D

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Shaz on 03/12/03 at 04:22 p.m.


Quoting:
I was hoping Dagwood would post this story; after all, it happened near her…


End Quote



Sorry to disappoint you Don, I didn't realize it mattered who posted stories..... ::)

Anyway- I am glad they found her and curious as to what has happened to her in the past 8 months, maybe Dag will have a the "local buzz" for us.  :D

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Rice Cube on 03/12/03 at 04:24 p.m.

Hi Shaz :)  I noticed you didn't have a link, so here we go:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/03/12/smart.kidnapping/index.html

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Shaz on 03/12/03 at 04:25 p.m.


Quoting:
Hi Shaz :)  I noticed you didn't have a link, so here we go:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/03/12/smart.kidnapping/index.html
End Quote



Why, thank you my Green Lantern friend!  :)

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Rice Cube on 03/12/03 at 04:30 p.m.

I'm glad this girl was found.

In CA, I believe there are still three or four high-profile missing children cases that have yet to be solved.  I think the "Amber" alert system is based on one of those cases too.  It must be really trying for a parent not to know what became of their child, but for Elizabeth's parents, I'm sure they're ecstatic and relieved right now.  Best of wishes to them.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/12/03 at 04:30 p.m.

Ok..Local buzz here.  (Don, I was going to post it but got home too late...oh well)

They weren't in a car.  Two different people called the police because they saw the man, woman and Elizabeth walking down the street.  The mans pic had been in the paper this morning.  They police stopped him and then realized that the girl was Elizabeth.  

There is going to be a press conference at 5 but so far they are saying that she doesn't seem to be hurt.  I know she has been reunited with her family but it doesn't sound like she has been checked by a doctor yet.  

The only thing that I can say is Praise God!  I am so glad they found her alive. :D

modified to add

I bet next time Ed Smart hires someone to work on his house he checks the people out more closely.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: princessofpop on 03/12/03 at 04:35 p.m.

This is just amazing!  I have followed this story from the beginning & I am just so happy for her & her family!  

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Wicked Lester on 03/12/03 at 05:15 p.m.

Excellent! I was afraid this young lady was dead... it's nice to see a happy ending sometimes!

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: John_Seminal on 03/12/03 at 05:24 p.m.

Thank God!!! I hope she was not hurt.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Goreripper on 03/12/03 at 05:38 p.m.

Great news. But I don't think this story is even close to be over. I wonder how Elizabeth is going to fit back into her 'normal' life after such a long time under the influence of a self-proclaimed prophet. The brainwashing of such a young mind isn't very difficult. One wonders (shuddering!) what his plans were for the child. Indoctrination into some self-styled cult probably isn't out of the question.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: 80sTrivia on 03/12/03 at 05:51 p.m.

I was so relieved to hear that she had been found alive. Usually these incidences end very tragically.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Indy Gent on 03/12/03 at 06:24 p.m.

I am so glad that this girl was found alive after so many tragedies involving teenage girls. Our God is good. ;)

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: princessofpop on 03/12/03 at 07:01 p.m.

I wanted to post this link as a reminder to never forget about the other missing children.  Today is another reminder that miracles can happen with the help of others.

http://www.missingkids.org/

Subject: Speechless...

Written By: Davester on 03/12/03 at 08:46 p.m.

  Celebrate. Two have come home recently; that's more than we can ask, some days.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Goreripper on 03/13/03 at 00:04 a.m.

It's not more than we can ask. Sadly, it's more than we can expect.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Dude on 03/13/03 at 03:15 a.m.

This is GREAT news. I wonder why when given a chance (at the press conference) that the authorities didn't apoligize to Mr. Ricci's family (he's recently deceased if I'm not mistaken). When asked about this, the spokesman (cheif of police of Salt Lake City) only said, "It doesn't appear now that Mr. Ricci had anything to do with it." I'm sure it was too early for them to KNOW that he wasn't involved yet though. Maybe its the media that owes this guy's family the apology. It's a b!tch when you're only a suspect, that your whole life can be strewn across the pages and airwaves for the world to see, and nothing much is ever said when you're cleared. Anyway.......I digress.........I guess  now's the time to just feel good and celebrate that Elizibeth is alive and well!! That said, why did I even post this? 'Cause I took the time to write it, I reckon. ::) :)

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/13/03 at 05:44 a.m.


Quoting:
This is GREAT news. I wonder why when given a chance (at the press conference) that the authorities didn't apoligize to Mr. Ricci's family (he's recently deceased if I'm not mistaken). When asked about this, the spokesman (cheif of police of Salt Lake City) only said, "It doesn't appear now that Mr. Ricci had anything to do with it." I'm sure it was too early for them to KNOW that he wasn't involved yet though. Maybe its the media that owes this guy's family the apology. It's a b!tch when you're only a suspect, that your whole life can be strewn across the pages and airwaves for the world to see, and nothing much is ever said when you're cleared. Anyway.......I digress.........I guess  now's the time to just feel good and celebrate that Elizibeth is alive and well!! That said, why did I even post this? 'Cause I took the time to write it, I reckon. ::) :)
End Quote



Digress all you want, my second thought was that they owe the Ricci family the mother of all apologies.  Richard did die in August in jail.  

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/13/03 at 05:46 a.m.


Quoting:
I am so glad that this girl was found alive after so many tragedies involving teenage girls. Our God is good. ;)
End Quote



Amen to that, Indy! :)

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: princessofpop on 03/13/03 at 06:05 a.m.


Quoting:


Digress all you want, my second thought was that they owe the Ricci family the mother of all apologies.  Richard did die in August in jail.  
End Quote



I do believe that they would owe his family an apology, but not until after they have investigated that matter first.  Speculation has been that when Ricci took the car to the mechanic, he was seen getting into a car that could very well have been Mitchell's.  Also, at the time Ricci was considered a suspect, the police were acting on their leads and did what they had to do.  

It is just such a happy ending to a tragic situation.  I hope that she & her family can find a way to live a normal life despite the psychological problems they will be facing.  :-/

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 03/13/03 at 06:55 a.m.

The first thing I did when I heard this was hug my boys.  I am so happy for the Smart family.  It's nice to hear some good news.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: FunkyFresh on 03/13/03 at 11:12 a.m.

Finally, some good news...

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Goreripper on 03/13/03 at 04:19 p.m.


Quoting:


Digress all you want, my second thought was that they owe the Ricci family the mother of all apologies.  Richard did die in August in jail.  
End Quote



Yes he did, but he wasn't in jail because of the Smart case. He was inside on a parole violation relating to another matter.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/13/03 at 05:43 p.m.


Quoting:


Yes he did, but he wasn't in jail because of the Smart case. He was inside on a parole violation relating to another matter.
End Quote



True he wasn't.  I just heard all the updates daily.  Mr Smart saying that Ricci should just tell the truth and Ricci saying that he didn't do it.  Here it was like the man was guilty until proven innocent.  I know he wasn't a law abiding man, I just never thought he had anything to do with the kidnapping.

As for his car:  I always thought (and still do) that he went to Wyoming for a day job or something like that.  I think he didn't admit it to the police because it was a parole violation and he didn't want to get into more trouble.  I still don't think he was connected to the kidnapping in any way.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: CeramicsFanatic on 03/14/03 at 00:06 a.m.


Quoting:

It is just such a happy ending to a tragic situation.  I hope that she & her family can find a way to live a normal life despite the psychological problems they will be facing.  :-/
End Quote



I am thrilled that Elizabeth was found alive, but I am also quite concerned about how she is going to fit into society now. There is no doubt that she will have psychological problems because of this horrible, horrible event!  :'(

Subject: Questions, questions, confusions arise...

Written By: Princess_Ana on 03/15/03 at 03:20 p.m.

I'm mainly curious as to what Elizabeth has to say about this. It doesn't seem like anybody's asking her.  I wouldn't underestimate the young mind; we're smarter than you think, and she ought to tell someone what the heck went on.

But, it's good that she's been found. :)

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Joelle on 03/15/03 at 06:56 p.m.

That is wonderful. I heard the guy who kidnapped her mistook her for his second wife (he was from Utah, so it's possible he was Mormon). I wonder what happened to her. (meaning was she raped, etc)? Under the circumstances, I'd say she probably was raped.  :-[

Just out of curiosity, who was the other abducted child who came home? I don't think I've heard about them.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Hairspray on 03/15/03 at 09:30 p.m.

Rumor has it the "Smart" girl was taken to be made into a wife. She was sexually abused and brainwashed. After some time she became adjusted to her "reality" and accepted her fate. She is also rumored to be pregnant from her abductor.  :o

It was on the radio, folks.

Disclaimer:

These are just rumors. At least, I hope so for the girl's sake.

I did see some footage on TV of "Smart" walking with her abductor holding hands and the other woman walking behind them.  :P :-/

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: princessofpop on 03/16/03 at 05:06 a.m.

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but does anybody else find the parents to be just down right bizarre?  I visit a true crime discussion board on occasion & some of the things I have been reading on there about the parents is very strange. If you are interested here's the link:
http://www.crimenews2000.com/cgi-bin/wwwthread/postlist.pl?Cat=&Board=smart

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/16/03 at 08:44 a.m.

Utah gal addressing comments: ;)

Dude:  He was Mormon at one time but he was excommunicated.  The Mormons do not practice polygamy anymore.  Mitchell took LSD and created his own religion.  He even has a manifesto.  The second wife theory is one of the theories being passed around.  The other is a replacement daughter for his seriously mentally ill wife.

Hairspray:  They haven't released wether or not she has been abused.  I hope those rumors you heard weren't true.  This poor girl is going to go through hell as it is.  Hopefully they don't release wether or not she was abused, that would make getting past this even harder. This is going to be a media circus, I just hope they keep the trial private just for her sake.

As for the family...I don't like her dad.  He just seems smarmy.  I don't know if they had anything to do with it or not, but a lot of people here do.  I would hate to find out that part of the family did have something to do with this.  It is sad when kids can't feel safe in their own homes, isn't it?

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Hairspray on 03/16/03 at 12:04 a.m.

Quoting:
Hairspray:  They haven't released wether or not she has been abused.End Quote



Not "officially" anyway.  ;)  None of us, the general public, know anything for a fact, but it sure adds to the fuel of controversy when no one releases specifics on the case.

The case was made very public, even more so than hundreds of other kidnappings that take place daily. The parents were financially able to publicize further and even get highway bulletin boards. Many became very familiar with the case and even emotionally involved. The public helped tremendously as well. Many people feel very connected to this case. It is only natural for people to want to know what happened or even feel they have some right to know. We already know she's going to need psychological help for some time due to the trauma. The longer the family keeps mum about the events that took place those 9 months, the more people will draw their own conclusions. It's not right for that to happen, by any means. It's just the way it is.

Quoting:
This poor girl is going to go through hell as it is.End Quote



I'd like to think the girl already went through hell and is now on her way to recovery. I don't see it getting worse than what she's already been through.

Quoting:
Hopefully they don't release wether or not she was abused, that would make getting past this even harder. This is going to be a media circus...End Quote



Keeping the details of the case away from the public will not help them any, IMO. Whatever it was will be something to be faced sooner or later.

This case has been a media circus all along; initially for the best reasons. Now, it's a media circus as part of the natural course of things in the process of crime and punishment in a case with the publicity of this magnitude.

Quoting:
I would hate to find out that part of the family did have something to do with this.End Quote



I personally doubt the family had anything to do with her kidnapping directly.

IMO, it was sheer stupidity on their part that contributed to this crime.

1) Bringing in strangers to work in their home without doing at least a background check.

2) Trusting them with their home keys.

3) No turning on their home alarm system.

4) Not having a guard dog to, at the very least, alert them of an intruder.

A darn shame, really.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/16/03 at 01:16 p.m.


Quoting:


Not "officially" anyway.  ;)  None of us, the general public, know anything for a fact, but it sure adds to the fuel of controversy when no one releases specifics on the case.
End Quote



True.  I have seen dozens of press conferences where one reporter has to ask if she was sexually abused every time.  I just want to scream.  It will come out in the trial, until then I think it is pretty tacky to ask.

Quoting:
I'd like to think the girl already went through hell and is now on her way to recovery. I don't see it getting worse than what she's already been through.
End Quote



She has, it is just going to be hard for her being in the limelight like she will be.  Heck, the other day she went out to her driveway and the media broke in to let us know.  I think the press needs to leave her alone and let her experiences come out in private.  Soon enough we will know all she is willing to tell.


Quoting:

I personally doubt the family had anything to do with her kidnapping directly.

IMO, it was sheer stupidity on their part that contributed to this crime.

1) Bringing in strangers to work in their home without doing at least a background check.

2) Trusting them with their home keys.

3) No turning on their home alarm system.

4) Not having a guard dog to, at the very least, alert them of an intruder.

A darn shame, really.
End Quote



I agree.  It is amazing, though, how many people still think the family had something to do with it.  My father, for example, still thinks she went away to have her uncles baby. ::)  Personally I think it is disgusting.  I am glad someone else thinks like I do about who is to blame...that would be Mitchell and no one else.  I think the parents just lived in a rose colored world.  I bet that they don't have that "It'll never happen to me" attitude anymore.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Goreripper on 03/16/03 at 06:43 p.m.


Quoting:
Rumor has it the "Smart" girl was taken to be made into a wife. She was sexually abused and brainwashed. After some time she became adjusted to her "reality" and accepted her fate. She is also rumored to be pregnant from her abductor.  :o

End Quote



This is precisely what I suggested. It would be incredibly unlikely that she could have stayed with him for that long and not fallen under his influence, either willingly or otherwise. As for the suggestions of the Smart family's involvement, I just refer the reader to the continuing rumour and debate surrounding the Ramsey case, i.e. - continuing allegations of their involvement despite the complete lack of evidence .  

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/16/03 at 06:46 p.m.


Quoting:


This is precisely what I suggested. It would be incredibly unlikely that she could have stayed with him for that long and not fallen under his influence, either willingly or otherwise. As for the suggestions of the Smart family's involvement, I just refer the reader to the continuing rumour and debate surrounding the Ramsey case, i.e. - continuing allegations of their involvement despite the complete lack of evidence .  
End Quote



Ok...they just had his attorney on the news.  The attorney said that Mitchell considers her his "wife".  That is sick and wrong, but it sounds more and more like she was sexually abused.  :-/

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Union_Jack on 03/16/03 at 06:59 p.m.

I'm just glad she is back with her family.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Goreripper on 03/16/03 at 07:05 p.m.

http://www.courttv.com/news/2003/0314/smart-cousin_ap.html

Madness.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: 80sRocked on 03/17/03 at 01:35 p.m.

While it is great she is back home and safe, I have a bad feeling a lot of the celebrating will come to a screeching hault when the kidnappers go to trial, and the details start coming out.  

Yea shes safe at home now, but theres so many unanswered questions as to what went on while she was with that couple.  

Hopefully I am wrong on this one.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Goreripper on 03/19/03 at 10:28 a.m.


Quoting:

Hopefully I am wrong on this one.
End Quote



I bet you're not.   :-/

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 03/19/03 at 10:57 a.m.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/03/18/smart.case/index.html

Unfortunately, it appears that she was sexually abused.   :'(

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Race_Bannon on 03/19/03 at 03:40 p.m.

Anyone else see the calls for lighter sentencing to the kidnappers because the girl was recovered and not killed?  I believe this came from the father as well.  The idea is that it may help return other kidnap victims unharmed if the perps know that it will be an easier sentence.  What do others think of this thought?
Me- BS!  People who take a child are not capable of clear reasoning, they have a reason and result calculated before the abduction takes place.  Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/19/03 at 05:42 p.m.


Quoting:
Anyone else see the calls for lighter sentencing to the kidnappers because the girl was recovered and not killed?  I believe this came from the father as well.  
End Quote



I know that Mitchell's father said this.  He basically said most kidnapped kids are killed and his son didn't kill Elizabeth so that should be taken into account when prosecuting.  I agree with you, Race, BULL!  I say throw his butt into jail and throw away the key. >:(

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: Race_Bannon on 03/19/03 at 05:45 p.m.

Thanks for the clarification in that Dagwood, I can understand it better from the wierdos father than I can from the Smart family, but I can't except that reasoning from anyone.

Subject: Re: Missing teen Elizabeth Smart found alive

Written By: dagwood on 03/19/03 at 06:04 p.m.


Quoting:
Thanks for the clarification in that Dagwood, I can understand it better from the wierdos father than I can from the Smart family, but I can't except that reasoning from anyone.
End Quote



You're quite welcome.