Man Indicted For Shooting Woman Who Responded To Craigslist Ad

Shakopee, MN (AHN) - A 19-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder after he killed a woman who responded to his online ad for a babysitter.

Michael J. Anderson was indicted Friday afternoon in Scott County District Court for first-degree murder for shooting Katherine Olson, 24.

Prosecutors claim Anderson shot Olson on October 24 after she responded to an ad for a babysitter he posted on the Internet site Cragslist. Anderson allegedly shot Olson once in the back while the two were in his bedroom, in his parents' house in Savage, Ohio. Anderson then left Olson's body in the trunk of her car in a nearby park. Police add he used his father's .357-caliber Magnum revolver.

The indictment said tests have proven that the bullet that killed Olson came from the .357-caliber Magnum revolver owned by Anderson's father. The shell casing from the bullet was found under a pillow on Anderson's computer desk.

Police believe Anderson had acted alone and had no previous contact with Olson.

Anderson had been indicted for second-degree murder on October 30, but prosecutors decided to upgrade the charge. His bail remains at $1 million. He is scheduled to return to court on February 5.

Olson's funeral services at Christ Presbyterian Church on October 31 drew about 1,500 people. Police officers, clergy members and strangers were among the mourners.