Convicted Kidnapper of Elizabeth Smart Smiles in New Mugshot Amid Latest Sex Offender Arrest

Two decades after helping to carry out one of the most notorious child kidnappings in modern American history, Wanda Barzee is back in the headlines — and this time, for a disturbing smile.

The 79-year-old woman, convicted in connection with the abduction of then-14-year-old Elizabeth Smart, is now facing new legal trouble. Barzee, who remains a registered sex offender in Utah, was arrested on May 1 for allegedly violating state restrictions by visiting two public parks. That act — seemingly simple — is strictly forbidden under laws designed to keep registered sex offenders away from places children gather.

But what has drawn even more attention is her newly released mugshot. In it, Barzee appears smiling widely, a look critics have called unsettling given her criminal background. The photo was updated in accordance with Utah law, which requires registered sex offenders to report in twice yearly — once on their birthday and again six months later.

Unapologetic or Detached?

Barzee’s new mugshot was posted to the Utah Sex Offender Registry shortly before news broke of her arrest. Authorities say she visited Liberty Park and Sugar House Park — both considered protected zones under state law. When questioned, she reportedly told police that she was “commanded by the Lord” to go feed ducks at the park and “sit on benches,” according to Fox 13 Salt Lake City. She added that God had instructed her to visit both locations.

Her arrest has reignited questions about how sex offenders are monitored and how violations are handled once someone completes their initial sentence. Barzee had been ordered to stay away from areas where children may be present, a common restriction for offenders with crimes involving minors.

Echoes of a Horrific Past

Barzee’s criminal history is well known. In 2002, she and her husband, Brian David Mitchell, abducted Smart from her Salt Lake City bedroom at knifepoint. For the next nine months, she was held captive — raped nearly every day, drugged, and emotionally manipulated under the pretense of a twisted spiritual “marriage.”

Smart’s eventual rescue came when a couple recognized her walking in Sandy, Utah, with Mitchell and Barzee. At first, she denied her identity out of fear, but later admitted the truth to authorities. Her captors were arrested that day, and the story made national headlines — further amplified by shows like “America’s Most Wanted.”

Barzee eventually cooperated with investigators and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. In 2018, she was released under federal supervision and registered as a sex offender. She was also instructed never to contact the Smart family again.

Elizabeth Smart’s Journey Forward

Now a mother of three, Elizabeth Smart has become one of the nation’s most outspoken child safety advocates. She regularly shares her experiences to help prevent child exploitation and abduction. Most recently, she partnered with a tech company to develop the Guardian App, designed to help families protect their children from predators.

“Coming back and being with my family was everything I dreamed of while I was being held,” she once told Fox News Digital. “I didn’t want anything extravagant — just to be safe, go to school, live my life. That’s all I wanted.”

Smart is now contributing to a new episode of “America’s Most Wanted: Missing Persons” as a guest speaker. Her voice continues to serve as a reminder of both the resilience of survivors and the ongoing dangers posed by convicted offenders like Barzee.

Whether Barzee will face additional consequences following her alleged violation is still unclear. As of now, she is required to check in weekly with authorities. Officials have not yet announced whether she will face new charges or additional sentencing.

The story is still developing, but one thing is certain — for many, the sight of Barzee’s grin is far from forgettable. And for Elizabeth Smart, it’s likely just another chapter in a long story she never asked to write.