Check out our new Patreon tiers and perks here: Crime Weekly | Patreon

Enter to win TWO badges to CrimeCon 2026 in Las Vegas here: CrimeCon 2026 Badge Giveaway

In June of 2002, a 14-year-old girl was taken from her bedroom in the middle of the night, from a quiet home in one of the safest neighborhoods in one of the safest cities in America. Her name was Elizabeth Smart. This case has endured for more than two decades, not only because of what happened to Elizabeth, but because of how it happened. It forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about trust, faith, and what happens when deeply held beliefs collide with someone willing to exploit them.

Elizabeth wasn't held for hours or days. She was a prisoner for nine months, subjected to repeated trauma and torture that would have broken most adults. But Elizabeth's story is not just about what happened to her. It's also about survival and strength. It's about a young girl who would later turn the unimaginable into advocacy and support for victims of kidnapping and sexual violence.

Try our coffee! - www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com

Become a Patreon member -- > https://www.patreon.com/CrimeWeekly

Shop for your Crime Weekly gear here --> https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CrimeWeeklyPodcast
Website: CrimeWeeklyPodcast.com
Instagram: @CrimeWeeklyPod
Twitter: @CrimeWeeklyPod
Facebook: @CrimeWeeklyPod

ADS:

1. https://www.LiquidIV.com - Use code CRIMEWEEKLY for 20% off your first order!

2. https://www.WildGrain.com/CrimeWeekly30 - Use code CRIMEWEEKLY30 for $30 off your first box and FREE croissants for LIFE!

3. https://www.HelixSleep.com/CrimeWeekly - Get 27% off sitewide! Remember to select our podcast, Crime Weekly, after checkout to let them know we sent you!

4. https://www.EatIQBAR.com - Text WEEKLY to 64000 for 20% off ALL IQBAR products and FREE shipping!

S3 Ep145: Elizabeth Smart | The Trial That Almost Never Happened (Part 5)