Judge Orders Accused Kidnapper to Undergo Psych Evaluation

Keith Elson Jr., accused of kidnapping a Cedar Rapids convenience store clerk, pleaded not guilty this June 22, 2010 morning in Linn County District Court.

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Aug 31, 2010 at 3:55 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2010 at 6:17 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A 6th Judicial District Judge ordered Monday a psychiatric evaluation for the man accused of kidnapping and raping a Kwik Shop clerk in May.

Keith Van Elson Jr., 54, of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree kidnapping, is accused of kidnapping a 19-year-old at knife point from the Kwik Shop, 1001 First Ave. SW, May 17. The victim told police Elson also raped her during the incident.

Elson, through his attorney, filed in July his intent to claim insanity, diminished capacity and intoxication as his defense.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns filed the application for the evaluation in accordance with Iowa criminal procedure that allows the court to order examination of a defendant by a state named expert.

Burns asked the court to have Elson evaluated at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale.

Judge Denver Dillard in his order said the examination will be conducted at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coralville.

Mike Lahammer, Elson’s attorney, had no objections to the application, according to the order.

Elson is set for trial Nov. 29. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life in prison without parole.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG