SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Attorneys representing the suspect in the Salt Lake City abduction of Elizabeth Smart say mental health reports on their client should remain confidential.
Defense lawyers for Brian David Mitchell asked Wednesday for the findings of mental health assessments on their client to remain private until a judge decides if they can be admitted as evidence, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
The defense attorneys allege in their brief that potential jurors could possibly be tainted if the reports are released prematurely. In addition, the defense team argued an early release would violate Mitchell's privacy.
Mitchell is accused of abducting Smart, then 14, from her family's Salt Lake City home in June 2002.
Smart was found alive in March 2003 and kidnapping charges were filed against Mitchell, now 56, and his wife, Wanda Ileen Barzee.
The Tribune said a closed hearing will be held Nov. 30 as part of the judicial battle to determine whether Mitchell, a self-proclaimed prophet, is mentally competent enough to face trial.
