Iran Memorial

What to Know About the Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping Case

The New York Times1/22/2026 – 1/23/2026

Summary

The Netflix documentary "Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart" revisits the harrowing abduction of Elizabeth Smart, who was taken from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002 at the age of 14. Smart endured a nine-month captivity before being rescued, a case that garnered significant media attention and public concern. The enduring relevance of Elizabeth Smart's story lies in its exploration of themes such as child abduction, the resilience of survivors, and the societal response to such crimes. The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by young individuals and the critical importance of community vigilance and support systems. Additionally, it reflects broader issues related to the criminal justice system's handling of abductions and the psychological impact on victims and their families. Smart's experience has also sparked discussions about the need for improved safety measures and educational programs aimed at preventing similar incidents. As a result, her story continues to resonate, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting children and the importance of advocacy for survivors of trauma.

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Lindy Score Breakdown (V4.2)

26d
Age
1
Sources
from cluster
591
Hours Since Seen
Final Score0/100
CategoryAntiLindy
StatusArchived
Recency Multiplier0% (0.5^591/48)
Hero EligibleNo
Score is 0 because recency decay (0.5^591/48 = 0.000197) reduced it below 0.5

Score BreakdownRisk 35

Source Reputation: Moderate trust (8/20 pts)
Consensus: Single source - no independent confirmation yet
Age: 25 days - proven survivor

Stories gain Lindy status through source reputation, network consensus, and time survival.

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