Elizabeth Smart's Alleged Kidnapper Collapses In Court; Trial Delayed
Nov. 30 2010, Published 11:10 a.m. ET
The man accused of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart has collapsed in court forcing the case to be brought to a sudden stop.
Brian David Mitchell, 57, suffered a seizure before falling under the defense table as his lawyers desperately yelled for help.
Mitchell had entered the courtroom singing O Holy Night and making bizarre bleating noises before he fell to the ground.
The jury had not yet been seated and was simply told that an issue had come up, halting the kidnapping case in Salt Lake City.
U.S Marshalls called 911 as Mitchell lay still on the floor of the courtroom and defense attorney Wendy Lewis asked if her client was breathing.
Medics confirmed he was alive before giving him oxygen and wheeling him out of court on a gurney.
SHOCKING PHOTOS: Elizabeth Smart Evidence In Kidnapping Case
Despite the panic, his stepdaughter, Rebecca Woodward told reporters he would refuse treatment.
"They'll take him to the hospital and he'll refuse treatment," she said. "He won't take anything. This isn't something he's making up. These are real."
Mitchell is know for his bizarre behavior in court and has been escorted out for singing hymns in the past.
Elizabeth Smart Calls Kidnapper A Hypocrite
The trial is expected to resume tomorrow.
Smart, 23, was alleged kidnapped, raped and tortured by Mitchell after being kidnapped when she was 14-years-old.
RELATED STORIES:
Elizabeth Smart Listens To Testimony Against Her Alleged Kidnapper
Cop ‘Missed Opportunity To Save Elizabeth Smart Traumatized Me’
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
