Barzee admits guilt, apologizes

Prior to 2008, Wanda Barzee refused to take anti-psychotic medication at the Utah State Hospital.

Doctors at the hospital said the woman accused of kidnapping and assaulting Elizabeth Smart believed she was the mother of Zion, that God instructed her to get the answers to her prayers by watching movies on TV, that her estranged husband and co-defendant Brian David Mitchell was made head of the LDS Church by former President Ezra Taft Benson and that she had a relationship in the pre-existence with Johann Sebastian Bach.

On Tuesday in federal court, a much different Barzee admitted her guilt and issued an apology to Smart.

"I'm greatly humbled as I realize how much Elizabeth Smart has been victimized and the role I played in it. I'm so sorry, Elizabeth, for all the pain and suffering I caused you and your family. It is my hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me," she said.

Barzee held a handwritten note as she gave her statement but did not look at it. Her attorney, Scott Williams, said it was meant to be a direct apology to Smart, who was not present for Tuesday's hearing.

On Tuesday, after years of legal battles over competency and forced medication, the criminal proceedings regarding Barzee came to a rapid conclusion.

Barzee pleaded guilty to federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. As part of the plea bargain, Barzee is also expected to plead guilty in state court to conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping, thus resolving all outstanding criminal charges against her. Her next scheduled appearance in state court is Jan. 6.

Barzee, wearing a red top and a black skirt, looked alert in the courtroom Tuesday and smiled occasionally at her mother, 88-year-old Dora Corbett, who was in the audience. Mostly, however, she remained quiet and answered "yes" to a series of questions U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball was required to ask her about her decision to plead guilty.

In March 2008, doctors at the Utah State Hospital were given clearance to involuntarily administer anti-psychotic medication. Once her competency began to be restored, Barzee received additional treatment for the guilt and remorse she began feeling for what she had done, according to Williams.

"Ms. Barzee genuinely feels remorse and genuinely feels a responsibility for her actions," he said.

Barzee is a different person today than when she was arrested, Williams said.

After the hearing, Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father, said he believed Barzee's apology was sincere.

"It sounded like she wanted to take responsibility for what she's done. That's something that was really important to us," he said.