SALT LAKE CITY — Federal prosecutors say they plan to proceed soon with charges against a man accused of kidnapping Utah teenager Elizabeth Smart in 2002.
The state’s case stalled earlier Thursday when a judge denied a request to forcibly medicate Brian David Mitchell.
He has a rare delusional disorder and has twice been found incompetent for trial. Third District Judge Judith Atherton said in her ruling Thursday that she is not convinced anti-psychotic medication would restore Mitchell’s competency.
Mitchell is being housed at the Utah State Hospital and has refused to take medications in the past.
Smart was abducted from her Salt Lake City home at age 14 and found with Mitchell and his wife in a suburb. Authorities say he took Smart as another wife to fulfill a religious prophesy.
He was indicted by a federal grand jury in March on suspicion of taking Smart from Utah to a homeless camp in California.
