Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping and Rescue

She was taken from her own bedroom while her family slept — and vanished without a trace.

In June 2002, fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart was asleep in her Salt Lake City home.

During the night, a man entered the house through an unlocked door. He went upstairs

and entered Elizabeth’s bedroom. At knifepoint, he forced her to leave the house.

Elizabeth was led away into the darkness wearing only pajamas. By morning, her family discovered

she was gone. Police launched a massive search across Utah. Investigators found

no signs of forced entry. For months, Elizabeth remained missing.

Then, nine months later, a woman recognized her walking in public with two adults.