40 Facts About Alyssa Bustamante

Early Life and Family Background

Alyssa Bustamante's story begins with a tumultuous family life that set the stage for her later actions. Her early years were marked by instability and challenges.

1. Alyssa Bustamante was born into a family plagued by instability. Her mother, Michelle, had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, leading to criminal charges and jail time. Her father, Caesar, was serving a 10-year sentence for assault in a Missouri prison.

2. In 2002, Alyssa's grandparents, Gary and Karen Brooke, took legal custody of her and her three younger siblings in California. This move aimed to provide a stable environment for the children, away from their parents' troubled lives.

3. The family later moved to a rural ranch-style property in St. Martins, Missouri, just four houses down from Elizabeth Olten and her family. This proximity would later play a significant role in the tragic events that unfolded.

Academic and Social Life

Despite her troubled home life, Alyssa showed promise in school and participated in various activities that seemed to offer her some stability.

4. Alyssa became an A and B student in high school. She was described as a gifted student who sometimes did not apply herself in class.

5. She regularly attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with her grandparents. She participated in several youth activities, which seemed to provide her with a sense of belonging and structure.

Mental Health Struggles

Alyssa's mental health issues were a significant part of her life, influencing her actions and decisions.

6. In 2007, Alyssa attempted to commit suicide and was hospitalized for 10 days. After this incident, she began taking Prozac to combat her depression. Despite her medication, she continued to practice self-harm by cutting herself several times.

7. Alyssa's online persona was starkly different from her real-life persona. Her hobbies listed on YouTube and MySpace included "killing people" and "cutting." She also posted a YouTube video where she tried to get two of her brothers to touch an electrified fence, showcasing her fascination with violence.

8. Alyssa was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder. These conditions were evident in her behavior and writings, which often expressed a desire for power and control over others.

The Crime

The events leading up to and including the murder of Elizabeth Olten are chilling and reveal Alyssa's premeditated intentions.

9. Alyssa had expressed homicidal ideation before the murder. She 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.” This statement highlights her premeditated thoughts about violence.

10. On October 21, 2009, Alyssa lured Elizabeth Olten into the woods behind their homes by convincing her younger sister to bring Elizabeth there to hang out. Once in the woods, Alyssa strangled Elizabeth, slit her throat, and stabbed her eight times in the chest. She then buried Elizabeth's body in a grave she had dug five days prior.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

The aftermath of the murder saw Alyssa's arrest, trial, and the community's reaction to the shocking crime.

11. After the murder, Alyssa attended a church dance while police searched for Elizabeth. She wrote in her journal about the experience, expressing a mix of emotions but ultimately describing it as "ahmazing".

12. Alyssa was arrested on October 22, 2009, and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Despite her confession to the crime, she initially pleaded not guilty.

13. Alyssa's trial began in January 2012, but she decided to plead guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action instead of proceeding with the first-degree murder trial. This decision was likely influenced by the possibility of avoiding the death penalty.

14. On January 10, 2012, Alyssa pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action. As part of the plea deal, she was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole in 35 years. However, due to her additional conviction of armed criminal action, she will serve a consecutive 30-year sentence, making her earliest probable release in 2054.

15. During her trial, Alyssa was remanded to a psychiatric institution for evaluation and treatment. Mental health professionals testified that she had major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder, which contributed to her actions.

16. The victim's mother, Patricia Preiss, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Alyssa. The lawsuit was settled for $5 million, with terms requiring Alyssa to disclose any compensation from case coverage to Preiss.

Public and Media Reaction

The community and media were both shocked and fascinated by Alyssa's crime, leading to extensive coverage and public outcry.

17. The community was shocked by Alyssa's actions. Friends and acquaintances described her as sweet and normal, which made the revelation of her crime all the more disturbing. Online, people expressed outrage and condemnation, with many calling for harsher punishment.

18. The case received extensive media coverage, with several articles and documentaries exploring the motivations behind Alyssa's actions. The New York Daily News reported on an entry from Alyssa's diary where she described the euphoria she felt after killing Elizabeth Olten.

19. In her diary, Alyssa wrote: “I just fucking killed someone. I strangled them and slit their throat and stabbed them now they’re dead. I don’t know how to feel atm. It was ahmazing. 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.” This entry reveals a disturbing level of detachment and enjoyment in her actions.

20. Despite her involvement in the murder, Alyssa attended church services after the crime. This behavior highlights her ability to compartmentalize her actions and maintain a facade of normalcy.

Psychological Evaluation and Incarceration

Alyssa's mental health was a focal point during her trial, and her incarceration reflects the severity of her crime.

21. Forensic consultants evaluated Alyssa and concluded that she had significant psychological issues. Her mental health professionals noted that she was experiencing major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder, which contributed to her violent behavior.

22. Alyssa's appeal against her sentence was denied in March 2014. Despite her lawyer's efforts to argue for a new sentence based on a pending U.S. Supreme Court case, the judge denied the motion.

23. Alyssa is currently incarcerated at the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri. She will serve her life sentence with the possibility of parole in 35 years, but due to her additional conviction of armed criminal action, she will also serve a consecutive 30-year sentence.

Impact on the Community

The murder of Elizabeth Olten had a profound impact on the community, leaving lasting scars and raising important questions.

24. Elizabeth Olten's funeral was a poignant reminder of the tragedy. A horse-drawn carriage took her casket to the cemetery, where friends and family wore her favorite color, pink. The funeral was a celebration of Elizabeth's life and a tribute to her memory.

25. The murder had a profound impact on the community. Neighbors and friends were left reeling from the revelation that someone they knew could commit such a heinous crime. The case raised questions about how such a disturbed individual could go unnoticed and whether something could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

Alyssa's Family and Social Media Presence

Alyssa's family background and her online activities provide further insight into her troubled mind.

26. Alyssa's grandparents took legal custody of her and her siblings to provide a stable home environment. Despite their efforts, Alyssa's psychological issues persisted, ultimately leading to the tragic events of October 21, 2009.

27. Alyssa maintained a relationship with both her mother and father despite their incarceration. Her mother had a history of drug and alcohol charges, while her father was serving time for assault.

28. Alyssa's social media profiles revealed a darker side of her personality. Her Twitter feed discussed bad decisions and being buried, while her YouTube and MySpace profiles listed hobbies like killing people and cutting.

Gothic Phase and Mental Health Treatment

Alyssa's teenage years were marked by a gothic phase and ongoing mental health struggles.

29. Alyssa went through a short gothic phase in 2008, dressing in all black clothes. This phase was part of her troubled teenage years, which included self-harm and suicidal tendencies.

30. Alyssa posted a YouTube video where she tried to get two of her brothers to touch an electrified fence. This video showcased her fascination with violence and her willingness to engage in dangerous activities.

31. After her suicide attempt in 2007, Alyssa received intense therapy, sometimes daily. Despite this treatment, she continued to struggle with depression and self-harm.

32. Alyssa was prescribed Prozac to combat her depression. However, she continued to practice self-harm by cutting herself several times, indicating that her medication was not entirely effective.

33. Juvenile court officials had to trim Alyssa's fingernails because she was using them to cut herself. This behavior highlighted her ongoing struggle with self-harm and depression.

Trial and Sentencing

Alyssa's trial and sentencing were complex and emotionally charged, reflecting the severity of her crime.

34. Alyssa's trial was delayed several times due to various issues, including her mental health evaluations and the need for psychiatric treatment. The delays added to the complexity of the case and the emotional toll on all parties involved.

35. Alyssa's defense attorneys argued that she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action because she wanted to take responsibility for her actions. This decision was likely influenced by the possibility of avoiding the death penalty and receiving a more favorable sentence.

36. During the sentencing hearing, forensic consultant Don Locke read aloud to the court a detailed description of Alyssa's actions on October 21, 2009. This hearing provided a stark reminder of the severity of Alyssa's crimes and the impact on Elizabeth Olten and her family.

Public Perception and Elizabeth Olten's Life

The public's reaction to Alyssa's crime and the memory of Elizabeth Olten continue to resonate.

37. The public perception of Alyssa Bustamante was one of shock and outrage. Many people felt that she had been given too many chances and that something should have been done to prevent the tragedy. Online, people expressed their condemnation, with some calling for harsher punishment.

38. Elizabeth Olten was a 9-year-old girl who loved playing with her friends and family. Her life was cut short in a brutal and senseless manner, leaving behind a community in shock and grief.

Alyssa's Future and Legacy of the Case

Alyssa's future remains uncertain, but her case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health intervention.

39. Alyssa Bustamante will spend the next several decades in prison, serving her life sentence with the possibility of parole in 35 years. However, due to her additional conviction of armed criminal action, she will also serve a consecutive 30-year sentence, making her earliest probable release in 2054.

40. The case of Alyssa Bustamante serves as a reminder of the complexities of juvenile justice and the need for comprehensive mental health services. It highlights the importance of early intervention and support for individuals struggling with psychological issues to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The Legacy of Alyssa Bustamante

Alyssa Bustamante's case is a chilling reminder of the devastating impact untreated mental health issues can have. Her troubled upbringing, coupled with severe psychological disorders, led to the tragic murder of Elizabeth Olten. Despite her academic achievements and church involvement, Alyssa's dark thoughts and actions went unnoticed until it was too late. The community's shock and the extensive media coverage highlighted the need for better mental health support and early intervention. Alyssa's life sentence, with the possibility of parole in 2054, underscores the severity of her crime. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of addressing mental health issues before they escalate into violence. It reminds us that providing support and intervention can prevent such tragedies and protect innocent lives.