Bustamante trial date pushed back

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The trial date in the Alyssa Bustamante case has been moved back.

Bustamante, 17, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten in October 2009.

According to court records, Cole County Presiding Judge Pat Joyce continued the case to Sept. 12.

Prosecutors argued against the move.

Jury selection had been scheduled to begin June 1. The jury will still come from Greene County to hear the case in Cole County.

It’s believed the trial could last up to 10 days.

Court records show Bustamante’s lawyers, public defenders Charles Moreland and Donald Catlett, asked for the delay due to both of them already involved in murder cases of other clients. They said those cases would not allow them adequate time to be ready to defend Bustamante.

Moreland and Catlett also said they needed more time to study recently released information on DNA findings in this case.

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More like this story

mikemojc 2 years, 2 months ago

...And now it comes that Elizabeth Olten's brother-in-law was beaten to Death in the Jeff City Walmart parking lot, and I've seen absolutely NO coverage from the local media; newspaper, TV, or radio. What's up with that?

jeffcitygirl 2 years, 2 months ago

When did this happen? Only beating death I have heard of was the one in California, MO? Is this true?

CMNI_Webmaster 2 years, 2 months ago

There is nothing at all to indicate to us that anyone has been harmed in the Wal-Mart parking lot at least recently. I have asked our reporters to look into this, but as of right now, this seems to be an incorrect statement. If mikemojc or anyone else has any time frame or more information, please email me. webmaster@newstribune.com.

jcmom69 2 years, 2 months ago

If you are referring to Alex Adrian, it it not true. This a vicious rumor that has been heard more than once.. He did pass away, but not at the hands of another.. Please refrain from using here-say as fact, as this causes unnecessary pain for the family and friends. His funeral was today so please let this rumor die and his memory rest in peace.

mikemojc 2 years, 2 months ago

All condolences to the family

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