Elizabeth Smart Update: Opening Arguments Expected Today in Kidnap Trial
SALT LAKE CITY (CBS/AP) Opening arguments are expected to begin Thursday in Salt Lake City in the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping trial.
After 8 years of delays, Brian David Mitchell's trial on kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor charges began Monday in U.S. District Court. The trial is expected to last at least five weeks.
If convicted, Mitchell could spend the rest of his life in prison.
U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball has narrowed the jury pool to 32 people.
He's expected to seat 12, plus two alternates to hear the case Thursday morning.
Opening arguments will begin once a jury is sworn in. The first witness for the prosecution could also take the stand Thursday.
Smart was 14 in 2002 when she was taken from her Salt Lake City home. She was rescued nine months later walking the streets of a Salt Lake City suburb with Mitchell.
Now, 22, Smart is expected to return from serving a mission in France for the Mormon church to testify against Mitchell.
COVERAGE OF ELIZABETH SMART ON CRIMESIDER
