State to decide Devlin placement in up to 3 weeks

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Missouri Corrections officials say a decision on where to imprison Michael Devlin is expected in two to three weeks.

The man who pleaded guilty to charges tied to the kidnappings of Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby is still being evaluated at a facility in St. Joseph.

Because Devlin is a high-profile inmate, Corrections spokesman Brian Hauswirth says there is concern about his safety. Among the options being considered are placement in protective custody and in an out-of-state prison.

Defense attorney Ethan Corlija says the defense team pressed for out-of-state placement for Devlin.

Shawn and Ben were discovered at Devlin's Kirkwood apartment in January. Shawn had been missing four years, and Ben had been missing four days.