Current Developments
Thrill-Kill Teen Gets LifeFeb. 8, 2012
A teenage girl who once faced first-degree murder charges for killing a 9-year-old neighbor just to see how it felt has agreed to a plea deal that gives her hope of one day being paroled. Alyssa Bustamante, 18, has been sentenced to life with the possibility of parole in the death of Elizabeth Olten in 2009.
Previous Developments
Judge Orders Out-of-Town Jury for BustamanteFeb. 16, 2010
In response to a defense motion for a change of venue, a Missouri judge has decided to select a jury from outside Cole County to hear the first-degree murder trial of a teenager who is accused of killing a 9-year-old neighbor. Alyssa Bustamante, who was 15 at the time of the crime, will be tried as an adult.
Teen Pleads Not Guilty to Killing 9-Year-Old
Dec. 12, 2009
A 15-year-old Missouri girl sat quietly in court as her attorney entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the death of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten. Alyssa Bustamante was shackled and wearing a green juvenile detention jump suit during the hearing.
Teen Charged as Adult in Elizabeth Olten Case
Nov. 18, 2009
A 15-year-old Missouri girl has been indicted and will be tried as an adult in the murder of a 9-year-old neighbor. Alyssa Bustamante faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges for the death of Elizabeth Olten.
15-Year-Old Female Arrested in Girl's Murder
Oct. 27, 2009
In what authorities are describing as an "unusual case," a 15-year-old female has been arrested in the murder of a 9-year-old Missouri girl who disappeared a week ago. Police say the teen in custody lead them to the well-concealed body of Elizabeth Olten of St. Martins.
