Monday, March 30, 2009

Tragedy of Faith? Maryland mom pleads guilty in cult starvation death

Whacked yes, not that she has faith, but that she had faith in something obviously awry.

Md. mom pleads guilty in cult starvation death
AP
By BEN NUCKOLS, Associated Press Writer Ben Nuckols, Associated Press Writer
BALTIMORE – A former religious cult member pleaded guilty Monday to starving her 1-year-old son to death after making an unusual deal with prosecutors: If the child is resurrected, her plea will be withdrawn. Ria Ramkissoon, 22, also agreed to testify against four other members of the now-defunct religious group known as 1 Mind Ministries. All four are charged with first-degree murder in the death of Javon Thompson.

According to a statement of facts, the cult members stopped feeding the boy when he refused to say "Amen" after a meal. After Javon died, Ramkissoon sat next to his decomposing body and prayed for his resurrection.

Ramkissoon's attorney, Steven D. Silverman, said Ramkissoon believes the resurrection will occur. She agreed to plead guilty only after prosecutors said they would drop the charges if the child comes back to life, Silverman said.
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