Brian David Mitchell is a panhandler from Utah who, in March 2008, was indicted for the June 5, 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom in the suburbs of Salt Lake City. Mitchell, a religious fanatic who suffers from a delusional disorder, has twice been found incompetent in court, and in April 2009 underwent a psychological evaluation to determine whether or not he is competent to assist in his own defense. Forensic psychologist Dr. Michael Wellner is scheduled to present his findings in court on June 18, 2009.Salon: Evaluation of Elizabeth Smart suspect (April 30, 2009)
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Fast Facts
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Name
Brian David Mitchell
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Born
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Also Known As
"Emmanuel"
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Fact:
Mitchell was homeless and panhandling when he met the Smarts in November 2001TruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
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Mitchell told Lois Smart that his "calling" in life was to become a missionary to the homelessTruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
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Lois Smart offered Mitchell a half-day of work raking leaves and doing roof repairsTruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
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Mitchell is said to have come from a dysfunctional home
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Was sent to live with his grandmother
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Got married to his first wife at the age of 19
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Married a woman named Debbie
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Father two children with his second wife
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Mitchell is said to have begun exhibiting "unusual" behavior during his second marriage
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Married his third wife, Wanda Barzee, on the same day his divorce from his second wife was grantedTruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
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Mitchell began claiming that he spoke to angels and was a prophet of GodTruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
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Mitchell claimed that God guided him through visionsTruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
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Barzee began calling herself "God Adorneth"
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In 2001, Mitchell and Barzee were excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for "promoting bizarre teachings and lifestyle"TruTv: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart
