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After more than 15 years behind bars, one of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnappers is now free

One of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnappers, Wanda Barzee, was released Wednesday shortly after 8 a.m. from the Utah State Prison after spending more than 15 years locked up for her crimes.

Barzee has admitted to helping her husband, Brian David Mitchell, kidnap then-14-year-old Smart from her Salt Lake City bedroom at knifepoint in 2002.

Mitchell raped Smart almost daily during nine months of captivity, which included a journey to California and back to Utah. Smart was rescued — and Mitchell and Barzee arrested — after the three were spotted on a Sandy street in March 2003.

Barzee has been in custody since her arrest — either in jails, prisons or the Utah State Hospital.