Nov. 17: Alleged nanny killer in court today; family of victim issues statement

A grand jury date was set today for Nov. 27 to consider more serious charges in the death of Katherine Olson, who was killed after responding to a Craigslist online ad for a nanny at a Savage home.

By Jim Adams, Star Tribune

Last update: November 27, 2007 - 11:40 AM

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A grand jury today set Nov. 27 as the day to consider more serious charges in the death of Katherine Olson, who was killed after responding to a Craigslist online ad for a nanny at a Savage home.

Suspect Michael J. Anderson, 19, made his first appearance this morning in Scott County District Court in Shakopee. His bail remains at $1 million. His attorney asked for a cash bail amount, which Judge Mary Theisen set at $4 million, said Chief Deputy Attorney Ron Hocevar, who requested that amount.

Anderson, of Savage, was charged last month with second-degree intentional murder. The charges allege he used the Internet ad to lure Olson, 24, to his home where he shot her in the back in his bedroom, then dragged her down blood-stained stairs and left her in the trunk of her car.

The charges also say:

Police found the car about five blocks away in a park. In a different park they found Olson's broken cell phone wrapped in a bloody towel with Anderson's name on it along with Olson's purse in the same trash can.

Anderson later told a detective he was present when a friend shot Olson, but police believe he acted alone. There was no sign of sexual assault and no motive has been disclosed.

Olson's parents, Rolf and Nancy Olson, issued a statement today thanking all who have helped them and asking that their daughter be remembered as "the incredibly vivacious and compassionate young woman she was . . . Katherine's legacy should not be that of an unfortunate victim, but as a person who lived a good life, a life of faith, a life full of hope, and a life full of concern for people."

Jim Adams • 612-673-7658

Jim Adams • jadams@startribune.com

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