Missouri SB 26

Summary

SB 26 would mandate parole eligibility for juvenile criminals after only 15 years, resulting in injustice and re-traumatization for victims. Additionally, the bill could result in the freedom of dangerous criminals like thrill-killer Alyssa Bustamante. NOVJM has started a petition on behalf of the family of Elizabeth Olten, Bustamante’s victim. Please support Elizabeth and her family by signing our petition.

Our Petition

Veto Bill That Could Free Elizabeth Olten’s Murder Alyssa Bustamante Within A Couple Years

Veto bill that could free Elizabeth Olten‘s murderer Alyssa Bustamante within a couple years

Summary

The National Organization of Juvenile Murderers is starting this petition on behalf of the family of Elizabeth Olten. Senate Bill 26 may result in Elizabeth’s murderer becoming eligible for parole within a couple of years–a prospect that would severely traumatize Elizabeth’s family and would endanger society. We urge the public to join us. 

Details

On October 21, 2009, Alyssa Bustamante lured nine-year-old Elizabeth Olten into the woods. Bustamante, then 15, had devised a plan to murder the little girl for thrill. This plan would allow Bustamante to live out her violent fantasies. Bustamante had previously told a friend, “I just wonder what it would be like just to kill someone, see the life just drain out of someone. I wonder what it would feel like, that type of power, to take that away from someone.” And Bustamante did just that. She led Elizabeth to a grave she had dug at least five days earlier. Bustamante then began to strangle the child. She stabbed Elizabeth several times in the chest, slit her throat, and buried her in the grave. 

Bustamante was sentenced to life with parole eligibility after 35 years. However, SB 26 would allow the murderer to be paroled after 15 years of incarceration–not too long from now. Specifically, SB 26 would do the following:

This act provides that any offender sentenced to a term of imprisonment amounting to 15 years or more or multiple terms that amount to 15 years or more who was under 18 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense may be eligible for parole after serving 15 years of incarceration regardless of whether the case is final for the purpose of appeal. Such person may be eligible for reconsideration hearings in accordance with Parole Board regulations. (Emphasis added). 

SB 26 would force Elizabeth’s family to relive the horrific murder. This is unbelievably cruel. Furthermore, allowing Elizabeth’s killer to be paroled after only 15 years would demean the murder. NOVJM will also point out the obvious threat to public safety that this bill poses–Bustamante fantasized about murdering people, devised a plan to murder Elizabeth, and then carried out that murder. She poses a significant risk and should not be allowed to victimize others ever again

We are begging Governor Parson to veto SB 26 not only to ensure justice for Elizabeth and her family, but to ensure society’s safety from Bustamante.

Please sign this petition to support Elizabeth’s family.