Guilty Verdict in Elizabeth Smart Case

AP/SALT LAKE CITY — A federal jury found Brian David Mitchell guilty today of the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.

The case has tugged at hearts around the nation ever since the Utah teen was snatched from her bedroom and resurfaced nine months later.

Mitchell could face up to life in prison when he is sentenced next May 25.

Elizabeth Smart, now 23, gave a slight smile in the Salt Lake City Federal Courtroom as she heard the guilty verdicts on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines for the purposes of illegal sex.