Suspect In Cedar Rapids Convenience Store Kidnapping To Claim Insanity

By Trish Mehaffey, Reporter

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By Richard Pratt

Story Created: Jul 28, 2010 at 1:54 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 28, 2010 at 1:54 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS -- The man accused of kidnapping and raping a 19-year-old convenience store clerk in May filed his intent to claim insanity or diminished responsibility as his defense Tuesday in Linn County District Court.

Keith V. Elson, 54, of Cedar Rapids, was charged with first-degree kidnapping. He is accused of kidnapping the clerk at knifepoint from the Kwik Shop, 1001 First Ave. SW, in the early morning hours of May 17. The clerk told police Elson also raped her after he kidnapped her from the store.

Elson, if convicted, faces a mandatory life sentence without possibility of parole. His trial is set Aug. 23.

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