In a crime that shocked America, a 15-year-old girl murdered her nine-year-old neighbour to satisfy a morbid curiosity about what killing felt like. The case of Alyssa Bustamante and Elizabeth Olten, which unfolded in St Martins, Missouri in October 2009, remains one of the century's most disturbing murders.
The Disappearance and Grisly Discovery
On an autumn evening in 2009, nine-year-old Elizabeth Olten was playing outside her home with a friend. When she failed to return, a massive search was launched. Hundreds of local volunteers and police scoured the wooded area, with fears escalating that she may have been abducted by a sex offender, prompting FBI involvement.
The search took a sinister turn when an empty, shallow grave was discovered near the home of Alyssa Bustamante, the half-sister of Elizabeth's friend. Alyssa initially claimed she had dug the pit "for fun." This bizarre statement, coupled with her behaviour, led investigators to search her bedroom, where they uncovered a scene of profound disturbance.
A Troubled Teenager's Descent
Alyssa Bustamante's upbringing was marked by trauma and instability. Her father was imprisoned for violent crimes, while her mother struggled with drug addiction and spent years in and out of jail. Alyssa and her siblings were raised by their grandparents.
Her mental state was severely troubled. She had a documented history of depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts. In 2007, she spent ten days in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt, which left visible scars on her arms. The walls of her bedroom were covered in eerie drawings and phrases, including one that read: 'I cut to see blood because I like it.'
Further evidence of her disturbing mindset emerged online. A YouTube video showed her encouraging her younger brothers to touch an electrified fence while she gleefully commented. Her diary confessed to previously setting fire to her grandparents' house.
The Chilling Confession in Her Journal
The most damning evidence was found in Alyssa's own journal. The entry for the day Elizabeth died was initially blacked out, but forensic analysis revealed the horrifying text.
She wrote: "I just ******g killed someone. I strangled them and slit their throat and stabbed them now they're dead. I don't know how to feel atm [at the moment]."
In a later addition, she displayed a shocking lack of empathy: "It was amazing. As soon as you get over the 'ohmygawd I can't do this' feeling, it's pretty enjoyable. I'm kinda nervous and shaky though right now. Kay, I gotta go to church now... lol."
Investigators determined that Alyssa had lured Elizabeth into the woods, strangled her, slit her throat and wrists, and buried her in the shallow grave.
Justice and Lasting Trauma
By the age of 18, Alyssa Bustamante pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Her defence lawyers pointed to her severe mental health struggles, history of self-harm, and use of powerful antidepressants as mitigating factors. In court, she expressed remorse, stating, "If I could give my life to get her back I would. I’m sorry."
However, prosecutors argued the murder was carefully planned and carried out for her own pleasure. In 2012, she was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 35 years before parole eligibility.
During the sentencing hearing, Elizabeth's mother, Patty Preiss, confronted the teenager, calling her "an evil monster" and stating she hated her. The case left an indelible scar on the community and stands as a harrowing study of adolescent violence and psychological disturbance.
