Baltimore, USA - A woman who starved her 1-year-old son to death at the behest of a the leader of a religoius group has been given a suspended sentence and probation.
Ria Ramkissoon pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in the death of her son, Javon Thompson. The plea agreement contained an extraordinary provision: If Javon is resurrected, the plea will be withdrawn.
The head of the alleged cult, Queen Antoinette, told her followers not to feed Javon when he did not say "Amen" before a meal. After he died, she told them to pray for his resurrection. Ramkissoon said she still believes Javon will come back to life when she testified against Antoinette, the leader's daughter and another man. All three were convicted of second-degree murder.
Ramkissoon has been in jail since her arrest in 2008, was given five years probation and must complete the program at a residential treatment facility.
Assistant State's Attorney Julie Drake called the sentence compassionate but fair. She says the state sees Ramkissoon as a victim.