Elizabeth Smart to Join ABC News As Contributor
It has been announced that former kidnap victim Elizabeth Smart, 23, has been hired by ABC to appear as a contributor on stories related to missing persons. Smart was abducted by Brian David Mitchell in 2002, from the comfort and security of the bedroom she shared with her sister, Mary Katherine. Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee held Elizabeth for nine months, during which time a massive manhunt took place for the young Utah girl.
It appeared that Smart`s abduction would not end well. For weeks and months, Smart`s father Ed went before the media, pleading for the return of his daughter. As time wore on, and seemingly few leads came forward, many felt that Elizabeth would never be found. Based on the recollection of Elizabeth`s sister, a sketch of Mitchell was produced which aired on the television program America`s Most Wanted. An alert viewer spotted Mitchell, Barzee and Smart in Sandy, Utah, and the trio was held for questioning. Wanda Barzee was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for her role in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart; her husband was sentenced to life in prison.
In March 2011, Elizabeth Smart was the recipient of a DVF Award, from the Diller-Von Furstenberg Foundation, which recognizes women for their role in transforming the lives of other women in their community. Smart is planning to use the award money to create the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, whose goal it will be to protect children from and educate them about abuse.
It is believed that Elizabeth Smart will begin appearing on ABC within a few weeks. Financial details of her contract were not disclosed. She is expected to act as a contributor to various programs on both television and radio formats including ABC World News Tonight, Nightline, and Good Morning America.
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