Missouri girl, 15, charged with murdering 9-year-old neighbor; could face life if convicted

Mo. teen charged with murdering 9-year-old girl

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Missouri grand jury has indicted a 15-year-old on a charge of first-degree murder in the slaying of her 9-year-old neighbor.

Alyssa Bustamante is accused of killing Elizabeth Olten by strangling the girl, cutting her throat and stabbing her on Oct. 21.

Bustamante also is charged with armed criminal action for allegedly using a knife in the attack.

The indictment Wednesday came hours after a judge ruled Bustamante should stand trial as an adult. She is being held without bond in Cole County jail.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bustamante could be sentenced to life in prison.