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SALT LAKE CITY -- The courtroom saga surrounding the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart has taken an unexpected twist. Prosecutors want to explore one of accused kidnapper's religious beliefs to prove he is not mentally incompetent to stand trial.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is asking the judge to allow testimony from two experts; one is an expert on scripture, the other is a veteran investigator of the murderous Ervil LeBaron polygamy cult.
After Brian David Mitchell's arrest for the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, investigators learned he also wrote a book of scripture. In "The Book of Immanuel David Isaiah," Mitchell seems to be saying he has powers greater than God's.
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Dick Forbes is a veteran investigator and expert on the LeBaron Cult. Prosecutors say, "He will show that there is a cultural explanation for Mitchell's views;" similarities between LeBaron's beliefs and writings and those of Mitchell. LeBaron was eventually convicted of murder and died in the Utah State Prison.
Dr. Daniel Peterson is a BYU Professor of Islamic Studies and an expert on the analysis of scripture. Prosecutors say he "will speak to the coherency of Mitchell's writings." Peterson told us by phone he will testify about whether Mitchell wrote his scripture in an "ecstatic" mental state or whether the writings are "the product of a deliberate, cool mind."
Peterson did not reveal his conclusions to us, and prosecutors barred interviews.
In a motion opposing the testimony, Mitchell's defense team said, "Whether other fringe groups or individuals share similar delusions as Mr. Mitchell's is irrelevant."
A judge will decide later if the two will be allowed to testify.
E-mail: hollenhorst@ksl.com