Suspect indicted in girl's death

Keith D. Nelson

Federal prosecutor wants death penalty.

By MARGARET STAFFORD

The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. --- Keith D. Nelson was indicted Thursday on two federal counts that allege he kidnapped and sexually abused 10-year- old Pamela Butler in a way that caused her death.

U.S. Attorney Steve Hill has asked Attorney General Janet Reno to approve seeking the death penalty against Nelson.

A federal grand jury charged Nelson, 24, of Kansas City, Mo., with aggravated kidnapping resulting in death and interstate travel to commit aggravated sexual abuse of a child resulting in death.

Nelson isn't technically charged with murder, but Hill said "for all practical purposes, this is a kidnapping and homicide case."

Nelson appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Sarah Hays shortly after the indictments were announced. The judge found enough evidence to detain him and agreed to appoint two defense attorneys.

Nelson, who was in a wheelchair, didn't speak during the 15- minute hearing.

Hill wouldn't say what he expected Reno to decide on the death penalty request, but he did note that the attorney general has approved all four other requests his office has made seeking the death penalty.

Law enforcement officers met with Cherri West, Pamela's mother, to discuss the case and the death penalty, Hill said.

"We talked to her about what she thinks should happen," he said, adding "it was a very good meeting."

Hill and Jackson County Prosecutor Bob Beaird said, hypothetically, the county could file a murder charge against Nelson and seek the death penalty if Nelson isn't sentenced to death on the federal level. But Beaird said he didn't anticipate that happening.

The indictment says that on or about Oct. 12, Nelson willfully took Pamela Butler from Wyandotte County in Kansas to Grain Valley, Mo., "for the purpose of sexual abuse resulting in the death of the victim, Pamela Butler."

A second count said Nelson engaged in a sexual act with the girl, "conduct that resulted in Pamela Butler's death."

Hill and Larry McCormick, the FBI's special agent in charge for Kansas City, declined to discuss any evidence that has been gathered against Nelson.

When asked whether a second suspect is involved in the case, Hill explained that the FBI isn't allowed to discuss possible suspects unless there is a possible public danger.

A neighbor had reported seeing Nelson with a second man on the night Pamela was abducted from in front of her Kansas City, Kan., home while she was rollerblading.

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