Judge denies bail for Virginia Tech student charged with being an accessory in girl's death

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - A Virginia Tech student who is charged in the death of a 13-year-old girl was a cutter as early as eighth grade, was taking medication for anxiety problems, and was seeing a counselor on campus for treatment.

Those details came to light during an hourlong bail hearing Thursday for 19-year-old Natalie Keepers. She's charged with being an accessory before and after the death of 13-year-old Nicole Lovell.

Keepers appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit, her wrists cuffed and ankles shackled. She looked down as she entered but answered Judge Robert Viar Jr.'s questions clearly and without emotion.

Defense attorneys argued that they needed Keepers released to prepare for her case. They suggested she's under duress and being held in isolation. Prosecutors argued that the accusations over 13-year-old Nicole Lovell's death are reason enough to keep Keepers behind bars.

Keepers described some of her problems in her own words. Her father also was questioned, and he described her having an appendectomy sometime in the fall. He said fellow student 18-year-old David Eisenhauer took her to the hospital. He's accused of kidnapping and fatally stabbing Nicole.

Keepers also said she's not getting her full medication and is gluten intolerant and can't eat jail food.

At the hearing's end, bail was denied for Keepers.