Suspect in slaying of mid-Missouri girl stays in custody for now

JEFFERSON CITY — A teenage suspect in the slaying of a 9-year-old mid-Missouri girl will remain in juvenile custody while a judge decides whether the case should be tried in adult court.

An attorney for the 15-year-old suspect, who has not been identified, waived a scheduled detention hearing Wednesday.

But Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem did hear arguments on whether the public should be allowed at the Nov. 18 hearing to determine whether the teen should be tried as an adult for the death of Elizabeth Olten. Beetem made no immediate ruling.

Funeral services for Elizabeth are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at a Jefferson City church. She was found dead Friday in a wooded area near her St. Martins home, two days after she was reported missing.