Replay: Keith Elson kidnapping trial

UPDATE: A Cedar Rapids man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Kwik Shop clerk last year formally waived his right to a jury trial during a brief hearing this morning, and his bench trial will start at 1:30 p.m.

Keith Elson Jr., 54, is accused of kidnapping Amanda Daniel, 19, at knife point from the Kwik Shop, 1001 1st Ave. SW, May 17, 2010. Daniel told police Elson also raped her during the kidnapping. Elson is charged with first-degree kidnapping and if convicted, faces life in prison.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns said he will make a brief opening statement in Elson's trial, but Mike Lahammer, Elson's attorney, said he may reserve his opening for when the defense starts its case, possibly on Wednesday.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill said he would make a written ruling in the case after all the evidence and testimony is submitted, but he didn't promise when that ruling would be filed.

Follow reporter Trish Mehaffey's live blog from the courtroom when testimony starts.

Elson plans to claim diminished capacity and intoxication as his defense. The defense won't dispute the kidnapping, only that it happened because Elson was heavily intoxicated.

Elson's sister, Vicki Hochstetler, told SourceMedia in July 2010 that Elson was high on drugs when the incident happened. She claimed Elson doesn't remember what happened. He was high on crack cocaine and had taken multiple medications that day, she said.

Elson was arrested that day about seven hours after he had taken Daniel from the Kwik Shop at 1001 First Ave. SW. Police said Elson planned the kidnapping and kicked in his apartment door after receiving information about the possible abduction.

Police said Elson had a stab wound to his chest. Later police said Daniel had stabbed him. Elson's wound was minor.