Psychiatrist says suspect used religion to justify kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart

Witness: Religion used to justify Smart kidnapping

SALT LAKE CITY — The man accused of abducting Elizabeth Smart used religion and his exaggerated sense of his relationship with God to justify his actions in the same way as a priest who commits sex offenses, a psychiatrist said Monday.

Dr. Michael Welner testified at a hearing to determine if Brian David Mitchell, 56, is mentally competent to stand trial on federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines.

Welner said priests who commit sex offenses often believe their religious position comes with entitlements.

“They routinely and dramatically distort their relationship with God,” Welner said of research about priests who molest children.

In a tape of a police interview shown in court, Mitchell said Smart “had a glorious experience. She knows who I am. She knows I am a servant of the lord.”

In October, Smart testified that she was taken at knifepoint, forced to marry Mitchell within hours of her abduction and raped daily throughout her captivity.

“He told me he was a prophet,” Smart said then. “He said he was the voice of God on Earth and that he would reign over God’s children until Jesus came.”

Smart, however, said Mitchell was “not spiritual, not religious, not close to God.”

Smart, now 22, also said Mitchell’s religious revelations seemed to come when he wanted something.

Welner also testified that Mitchell was in control of himself after his arrest, provided no incriminating evidence to police and knew when to avoid answering questions.

Smart was 14 when she was taken from her bedroom in June 2002. She was recovered in March 2003 walking a suburban street with Mitchell and his estranged wife, Wanda Eileen Barzee.

Defense attorneys said Mitchell is incompetent to stand trial and cannot participate in his defense. They were expected to question Welner on Tuesday.

Smart has not attended the current proceedings but her father, Ed Smart, has been present.

The competency decision rests with U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball.