By Jenny Brundin and Dan Bammes
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal court jury convicted Brian David Mitchell of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines for illegal sexual conduct this morning. The jury deliberated for 3 hours last night and 2 hours this morning before rendering the verdict at about 10:30 a.m.
The jury had the option of finding him not guilty by reason of insanity, but apparently was not persuaded by defense arguments that Mitchell was delusional when he kidnapped Elizabeth Smart in 2002 and held her captive for nine months.
Federal prosecutors said the conviction rested on the testimony of Smart. Early in the trial, she calmly detailed repeated rapes and intimidation by the defendant during her captivity.
KUER will provide in depth coverage of the verdict this afternoon during All Things Considered.