Earlier this year, Wanda Barzee was released from prison. One of the kidnappers in the infamous Elizabeth Smart case, the woman served 15 years behind bars, but now she’s out — and it seems that she may be headed for trouble once more. Just after her release, Wanda caused a commotion at a local hotel and police were involved. In September, Radar Online reported that she was transferred to a jail rehab facility. Now, however, Radar has learned that she’s left there, too — and her new home is a run-down house just two blocks away from an elementary school.

A corrections officer confirmed to the news outlet that the felon has moved to downtown Salt Lake City. As a registered sex offender, she’s barred from the premises of licensed daycares, preschools, primary and secondary schools, community parks, and public playgrounds. But Radar also notes that her new address is only two-tenths of a mile from a pre-K through fifth grade school. That certainly seems a little close for comfort.

Despite even her children calling her a “monster” who “should [never] see the light of day again”, Wanda was released years earlier than expected. “What I find troubling is that regardless of her threat level she will be released in 2024, six years from now,” Elizabeth said in July after her attacker was denied parole. “It is possible that she could be paroled before then…. Hopefully not. I do not think I’m a vindictive or vengeful person, if change were truly possible in her case then perhaps parole/release could be justified.”

Now that Wanda has actually been released, she’s even more concerned. “I was surprised and disappointed to learn of the pending release of Wanda Barzee,” she wrote on Sept. 11. “It is incomprehensible how someone who has not cooperated with her mental health evaluations or risk assessments and someone who did not show up to her own parole hearing can be released into our community.”

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Without doubt the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotion, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words, support, and concern. It has meant so much to me. May we all remain vigilant in watching over our families, friends, and community from anyone who would seek to hurt or take advantage. I truly believe life is meant to be happy and beautiful, and no matter what happens that will remain my goal for me and for my family.

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On September 19, after the release, she continued on Instagram. “Without doubt the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotion, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words, support, and concern. It has meant so much to me. May we all remain vigilant in watching over our families, friends, and community from anyone who would seek to hurt or take advantage. I truly believe life is meant to be happy and beautiful, and no matter what happens that will remain my goal for me and for my family.”

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