Judge closes court hearing for 15-year-old suspect in killing of 9-year-old Mo. girl
By Chris Blank, APTuesday, October 27, 2009
Hearings set for Mo. teen accused of killing girl
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The 15-year-old suspect in the killing of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten will appear in a Missouri courtroom for a closed hearing.
The teenager has been charged with first-degree murder. The hearing Wednesday will determine whether the suspect should remain in custody or be released to family members.
The suspect’s name and gender have not been released.
Cole County Judge Jon Beetem decided Tuesday to close the hearing. Another hearing scheduled Nov. 18 will determine whether the teen should be tried as an adult. Beetem will decide later whether to close that hearing.
An attorney for the teen has declined to comment.
Authorities arrested the teen Friday after the teen led them to Elizabeth’s body in woods west of Jefferson City.
