Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping Trial Begins Today

More than seven years after she was found, Elizabeth Smart is preparing to take the stand against the man accused of kidnapping her. Brian David Mitchell’s trial begins today in Salt Lake City, and Smart will fly back from her Mormon mission in Paris this weekend for it. After years of hearings, appeals, and odd behavior such as singing and shouting in court, Mitchell was declared competent to stand trial in March; his common-law wife was sentenced to 15 years in May for her role.

“Elizabeth will be glad to see it all coming to an end,” her father tells People. “She’s been doing great and is getting on with her life. We’re all very proud of her." Click here for more background leading up to the trial.