The teenage who killed her nine-year-old neighbor in October 2009 now knows her fate.
Judge Pat Joyce Wednesday morning sentenced Alyssa Bustamante to life in prison, plus 30 years for
armed criminal action, both have the possibility of parole.
Cole County Prosecuting Attorney, Mark Richardson said, “I believe that judge Joyce’s sentence was ajust sentence and in this case it serves the ends of justice." Alyssa's public defenders called her sentence "harsh", but are relieved there's a possibility of parole.
The defense argued Alyssa’s troubled childhood with parents who abused drugs and frequently left Alyssa alone caused an emotionally disturbed child. Don Catlett said, "A severely, mentally disturbed child who was facing a great deal of vulnerabilities and was struggling with depression."
The prosecution pointed out even with a mental illness; Alyssa, as a 15-year-old, knew right from wrong and knew what she was doing when she dug a grave days before the homicide and lured Elizabeth into the woods, by telling her she had a surprise.
Of the armed criminal action sentence, by law she's required to serve 33 percent before eligible for parole. That means the minimum Alyssa would serve is about 35 years, but if parole isn't granted could spend the rest of her life behind bars.
An Olten family spokesperson said this: "The sentencing process was extremely difficult for the family, as no sentence can adequately punish this heinous crime.
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