SALT LAKE CITY — Brian David Mitchell, the man accused of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart, spent two days in the hospital this week after falling in his jail cell and hitting his head.
Mitchell, 56, fell Monday while seated at the desk in his maximum-security cell at the Salt Lake County Jail, said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Mike DeNiro. Deputies were uncertain whether Mitchell struck his head on the floor or on the toilet in his cell.
The jail's medical staff examined Mitchell and decided he should be taken to University Hospital as a precaution.
Mitchell was guarded by the U.S. Marshals Service while he was hospitalized because he is a federal prisoner, DeNiro said. He was returned to the jail Thursday.
DeNiro, who worked in maximum security for the past two years, said he was not aware of Mitchell being hospitalized for any other medical incidents during his incarceration.
Mitchell is accused of kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart in 2002, taking her to California and then returning to Utah where he was arrested in 2003. A 10-day hearing to determine whether Mitchell is competent to stand trial was held in early December. A ruling from that hearing is expected in February or March.
— Geoff Liesik