Continuance is OK'd for Barzee

SALT LAKE CITY — A competency review hearing for Wanda Eileen Barzee, one of a duo charged in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart, was continued Wednesday until February.

Barzee pleaded guilty in November in federal court to charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. Her case is now moving through the state system, where she faces charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary and aggravated sex assault.

The question of Barzee's competency has pervaded her tenure in the justice system, but she was deemed competent to stand trial in October by doctors at Utah State Hospital. The doctors were given permission to forcibly medicate Barzee with anti-psychotic medications in May.

In court Wednesday, Barzee's attorney, Scott Williams, asked 3rd District Judge Judith Atherton for another month to review the report from the state hospital. He said his office hoped to review a few minor details about the treatment and regimen Barzee had undergone, but he "did not anticipate" challenging the report.

State Prosecutor Alicia Cook said she believed Williams' request was fair, especially in light of the recent holiday season.

Atherton scheduled the competency review hearing to resume Feb. 8 at 9 a.m.

— Emiley Morgan