Competency question in Smart case could be settled

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A mental competency question related to the woman facing state charges in the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart could soon be resolved.

Wanda Eileen Barzee is expected at a Monday hearing in 3rd District Court before Judge Judith Atherton.

Barzee's attorney, Scott Williams has said he's not likely to dispute an October finding by doctors that she had responded to forced treatment and is now competent to stand trial.

Barzee was arrested in 2003 and twice found incompetent for trial.

In November the 64-year-old pleaded guilty to federal charges related to Smart's kidnapping.

As part of that deal with prosecutors, Barzee is expected to eventually plead guilty to a reduced state court charge.

Smart was 14 in 2002 when she was kidnapped. She was found in March 2003.