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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A list of witnesses expected to testify in competency proceedings for the man charged in the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart shows a notable exception--his estranged wife.
Wanda Eileen Barzee's name is not on the list of 29 people federal prosecutors say they may call during a Nov. 30 hearing for Brian David Mitchell.
Related:
Daughter calls Barzee's plea deal, apology ‘an act'
The daughter of Wanda Barzee says she's concerned her mother is getting off too easy for kidnapping Elizabeth Smart. She says her mother is a "monster" who, if let free, could hurt more children.Barzee pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping charges on Tuesday and is now cooperating with authorities in state and federal cases filed against Mitchell.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, that includes being willing to testify against him.
Prosecutors contend that Mitchell is faking psychiatric symptoms to avoid responsibility in Smart's kidnapping.
Defense attorneys say Mitchell is incompetent and can't participate in his own defense.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
