Elizabeth Smart recalls her kidnapper Wanda Barzee's apology, questions her sincerity

Elizabeth was 14 years old when her world was turned upside down. Her survival and extraordinary advocacy for victims of abuse is substantial.

The woman who helped her husband kidnap 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart in 2002 is set to be released from prison Wednesday after more than 15 years behind bars. Smart told "CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King earlier this week she believes Wanda Barzee is still a "danger" and hopes her family will commit her to a mental institution.

The now 30-year-old was abducted more than 16 years ago by Brian David Mitchell and Barzee. They held Smart captive for nine months before they were captured and convicted. Though Smart knew this day would eventually come, she doubts Barzee regrets her role in the kidnapping.

"Part of her plea deal back when her case came up – it was required for her to write an apology to me. But it was just a very brief, 'I'm sorry for what I've done, the end,' kind of thing," Smart said. "I don't think you can just kidnap a 14-year-old girl and, you know, not only sit by her while she's being raped but encourage the rapist to continue…. Then just at the end of it say, 'I'm sorry,' and really mean it."

Once released, Barzee will be under federal supervision for five years. Her sister, who did not want to give her name, says she is unfit to leave prison.

"She's got nowhere to go," she said. "She's mentally ill, terribly mentally ill, and she's very manipulative."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elizabeth-smart-kidnapper-wanda-barzee-release-from-prison/