An almost24-year-old kidnapping case, one of the most publicized in American history, has been thrust into the spotlight once more, serving as the inspiration for a new Netflix documentary.
"Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart"recounts the true story of a 14-year-old girl abducted from her Salt Lake City, Utah, home in June 2002. Smart spent nine "harrowing" months in captivity before she was rescued.
The"gripping documentary feature,"released Jan. 21, "takes viewers inside the real story — told in Elizabeth's own words and through exclusive interviews with her family, investigators, and those closest to the case."
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Smart's history, including the kidnapping and the aftermath, was brought to life through a "blend of archival footage" and "never-before-seen material,"according to Netflix.
The work "explores the psychological and emotional toll on Elizabeth and her family, the relentless media attention, and the community's tireless search for answers that recounts the indefatigable resolve to survive that kept Elizabeth alive, and her spirit strong — even 20 years later," Netflix added.
Here's a look back at the case.
Who is Elizabeth Smart? And what happened to her?
Smart's world was turned upside down at age 14, when she was abducted from her Salt Lake City home in the early hours of June 5, 2002, and later sexually abused by "street preacher" Brian David Mitchell.
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Smart was held in captivity for nine months "before she was discovered by passersby and rescued by police officers in nearby Sandy, Utah." Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, his then-wife and accomplice, were apprehended by law enforcement shortly after.
Mitchell, who Smart's family hired to complete "odd jobs," was found guilty of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines "with intent to engage in sexual activity." He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
Barzee pled guilty in 2009, but was released in 2018. Barzee was arrested again in 2025 after "allegedly violating the terms of her status as a sex offender," according to Netflix.
Where is Elizabeth Smart now?
Between writing books about her own experiences and running theElizabeth Smart Foundation, Smart is currently living her own version of a "happy ending" in Utah with her husband and three children.
"There are happy endings," Smart said in an interview with Tudum and Netflix's "Skip Intro" podcast. "I hope that people who watch this (documentary can see) that even after terrible things happen, you can still have a wonderful life."
According to Tudum and Netflix's "Skip Intro" podcast, Smart relishes being at home with family, including having a good dinner, watching a movie with her children, traveling to the family's cabin, boating, spending time in the great outdoors and seeing her kids "out-ski" her.
Watch 'Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart' trailer
Where to watch 'Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart'?
"Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart" is currently streaming on Netflix.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Elizabeth Smart documentary revisits kidnapping case. How to watch.
