Execution set for killer with local ties

Pamela Butler

Accused killer Keith Nelson lost his death penalty appeal two years ago, and now awaits execution August 28th this year

21 years ago, a 10 year old Kansas City Kansas girl went out to play and brutally died a short time later at the hands of a man who raped her and left her lifeless body in a wooded area near Grain Valley, Mo.

Witnesses saw the man leaving with the girl and several days later Nelson was taken into custody and plead guilty to interstate kidnapping that resulted in death. The manhunt made national news and the arrest was broadcast on local television.

Unfortunately, it was quickly determined that Nelson had known (albeit estranged) connections in Bates County, adding a local tie to this tragic situation.

Missouri has used the gas chamber as an execution method since 1937; however lethal injection was added as an option in 1987. It is unknown if Nelson will receive one or both.