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SALT LAKE CITY - Friday's guilty verdict of Brian David Mitchell brings a sense of relief across the state. That extends to the highest level of state government, where Gov. Herbert reacted to the jury's verdict.
"Most all of us as human beings have been appalled--it seems to me, and I trust the jury, to be the correct verdict." Gov. Gary Herbert
The verdict came just as the Governor was presenting his budget proposal to reporters. He broke from the presentation briefly to comment on it.
"Certainly for the Smart family, it's been a long time coming. It's been--as all the events have unfolded and all the stories that depicted of what's taken place, most all of us as human beings have been appalled--it seems to me, and I trust the jury, to be the correct verdict. I'm glad to have this portion of the situation behind us," he said.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank said, "Our hope is that the verdict may bring a small measure of comfort and peace to her and her family. Elizabeth is a courageous young woman who throughout court proceedings has been the epitome of dignity and grace, and certainly an example to us all."
Sen. Orrin Hatch issued a statement Friday, as well, saying, in part, "After eight long years, justice is finally being served in this case, thanks to the tireless efforts of the prosecution, this jury and the determination and amazing resilience of the entire Smart family...Because of this verdict, Brian Mitchell now will be unable to hide behind an insanity plea and must confront the enormity of his crimes behind bars."
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
