Jury selection postponed after killer hospitalized

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jury selection was postponed Monday in the penalty trial of Keith Nelson, who admitted to kidnapping and murdering a 10-year-old girl, after he was hospitalized for undisclosed reasons.

Nelson was at a Leavenworth hospital Monday, stalling jury selection for a trial to determine his sentence. Nelson's attorneys were granted a one-week continuance, though court officials were not allowed to discuss why. The case is set to resume Monday.

"The judge informed parties in his chambers that we're not to discuss the reason for the continuance," said Chris Whitley, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office.

Nelson, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of murder during a kidnapping.

Pamela Butler disappeared as she roller-skated in front of her Kansas City, Kan., home on Oct. 12, 1999. Her body was found three days later in a wooded area near Grain Valley, Mo.

Nelson's plea agreement did not include a recommended sentence from prosecutors. Instead of determining Nelson's guilt or innocence, the jury will decide whether to recommend life imprisonment or death. A deadlocked jury would mean a life sentence.

Lawyers for both sides will present evidence, much as they would in the guilt or innocence phase.