Natalee Holloway: A Case That Captivated The Nation

Federal Court Takes on Elizabeth’s Case

In 2008, after it was ruled that Mitchell couldn’t be forcibly medicated in order to testify, the case was transferred to Federal court. The court held hearings on Mitchell’s mental competency throughout the rest of 2009, with multiple doctors having different opinions.

Dr. Michael Welner became a key witness in the case. He reviewed 210 sources and 57 different interviews with people like Mitchell, his wife, his family and the Smarts. In his 206-page report he included significant new evidence that Mitchell was competent the entire time. He diagnosed the kidnapper with pedophilia, nonexclusive type, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and alcohol abuse. Welner believed Mitchell was supremely manipulative and used religion as a way to get people to think he was delusional.

On March 1, 2010, Mitchell was finally found competent to stand trial. He was found guilty and is serving two life sentences.