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SALT LAKE CITY -- The competency hearing for Brian David Mitchell went forward Thursday with testimony from a doctor who said Mitchell can control his religious persona.
Dr. Noel Gardner said there are two videos that show compelling evidence that Mitchell is competent to stand trial.
One of the videos is from Mitchell's appearance in a San Diego courtroom in February of 2003. In it, Mitchell can be heard saying: "This week in jail has, uh, been like Jonah getting swallowed by the whale. It's turned me right around and I know I need to do what the Lord wants me to do with my life."
Gardner pointed out that Mitchell demonstrated appropriate courtroom behavior. He said Mitchell effectively worked with is attorney and showed rational ability to work with him. Mitchell was sentenced to probation.
Gardner testified that he believes Mitchell suffers from severe malignant narcissistic personality disorder with anti-social features. He said Mitchell is self-serving and can turn on and off his religious person to meet his needs at the time and avoid responsibility for his behavior.
"I shared my opinion that he's competent, but that's a decision the judge will make," Gardner told KSL News outside of court.
He also testified that Mitchell's taped interview with the FBI and police after his kidnapping arrest shows even more compelling, direct evidence of his competency.
Gardner said in that interview, Mitchell shows emotional control and cognitive flexibility, which is something that psychotic patients are unable to do. The one and a half hour-long interview is expected to be played in court Friday.
Following Thursday's hearing, Elizabeth Smart's father, Ed Smart, said the case sheds light on a bigger problem involving all children.
Smart said he has heard stories of abuse that Mitchell endured as a child. He also said Mitchell's stepdaughter was abused.
This is why Smart participates in programs that empower children. He said, otherwise, the cycle of abuse will continue.
"If we, as a society, don't take it upon ourselves to educate our children and help all of them know where stepping over the line is wrong and it isn't, then we're just perpetrating this cycle of violence," Smart said.
Smart said his daughter was able to move on with her life, but there are many children who can't.
Mitchell's competency hearing is scheduled to continue through Dec. 11.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
