Mo. has no place for a girl convicted of murder

If Alyssa Bustamante is convicted of murder -- and it's crucial to note that she HASN'T -- the authorities could have a big problem, the Post-Dispatch reports. They could, theoretically, put her in the adult prison system. It seems more likely that a judge would place her in the juvenile justice system's care, which is an option in Missouri. The state actually does a good job working with young offenders because the youths are given lots of counseling and education. Once the offender hits 21, there's another hearing to see if they can be released or whether they'll be sent to prison as an adult.

But Missouri's juvenile-justice system doesn't have a secure facility for girls convicted of murder. There might not be a good place to put Bustamante if she's found guilty.

Comments

[Rose]

What is the state supposed to do turn her loose to kill again. she dug two graves so she had another intended victim! If she is tried as an adult she can go into an adult prison.

[Searching]

There shouldnt be any place available for a young girl that kills someone. If you kill someone you should go to prison. Is that a problem? NO
If you cant play with the big dogs.. stay on the porch.

[Ein]

So wouldn't they just send her to another state that does have the necessary facility? It's pretty common to pay rent to other states for housing offenders.

[D-man]

Saudi Arabia?

[Pat the Rat]

Get real. If convicted, they'll find a facility to hold her somewhere.

Fear not.

[Jellybean]

The Moms in prison would probably take pretty good care of her. (No, I didn't mean that sarcastically).

[Ralfred]

Put her in the second hole she dug.

[Broomstick]

Poor girl. She really needs some serious mental therapy. I hope she gets the help she deserves.