I've had concerns about our judicial process since O.J. Simpson was acquited in 1995. Fortunately, the jury for the man accused of kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart was a little more professional in their assignment. Yesterday, 8 years after Elizabeth's terrible 9 month ordeal, Brian David Mitchell was found guilty! Phew!
There is no question that Mitchell is disturbed and suffers from mental illness, but the jury did not believe that he was completely insane (which the defense tried to argue).
Juror #12 explained his reasoning: "The question is, did he know right from wrong? I think compelling evidence throughout the trial was that he did know right from wrong."
The prosectution painted a portrait of a man who was a sick pedophile. Witnesses (particularly ELizabeth Smart) described Mitchell's insatiable appetite for sex, drugs, and alcohol. And the attorneys showed that Mitchell is more narcissistic than schizophrenic.
As you would imagine, the Smart family was elated with the verdict! Happy day!
I'm not sure when Judge Dale Kimball will sentence Mitchell but finally the Smart family can begin to get on with their lives and Elizabeth can return to France where she is serving a mission. And, Brian Mitchell can never abduct other young girls.
Justice has been served! And I'm regaining confidence in a court system that can work!
