Elizabeth Smart Expresses Fear Over Kidnapper’s Release Near School
Even though Elizabeth Smart vehemently condemned Wanda Barzee as a menace to society and blamed her just as much as her husband, the mentally unstable woman was freed in 2018.
Barzee, who is registered as a sex offender, now lives in an apartment near an elementary school, which has left Smart terrified and concerned for the safety of children in the area.
In a statement, Smart expressed her fear, saying, “Every possible caution and protection should be taken when it comes to protecting our children. Whether a person is deemed a current threat or if they have a history of child abuse, neglect, sexual violence, etc., prudent measures should be taken, including housing them as far away as possible from schools, families, and community centers.”
Despite Barzee being released after her most recent arrest, pending a decision by prosecutors, her attorney, Skye Lazaro, suggested that Barzee may be experiencing another mental health episode or that her mental health has deteriorated once again.
Smart’s concerns highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children, particularly in cases involving individuals with a history of child abuse or sexual violence. The proximity of Barzee’s residence to an elementary school raises red flags and underscores the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable members of the community.