Suspended sentence, probation for woman who starved son at cult leader's behest
A woman who starved her 1-year-old son to death at the behest of a religious cult leader 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 The plea agreement contained an extraordinary provision: If Javon is resurrected, the plea will be withdrawn.
Cult leader Queen Antoinette told followers not to feed Javon when he did not say “Amen” during a mealtime prayer. Antoinette, her daughter and another man were convicted of second-degree murder.
Ramkissoon, who has been in jail since her 2008 arrest, was given five years probation on Wednesday 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.
This item has been updated since it was first published.
-- Associated Press
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Washington Post Editors
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April 21, 2010; 12:46 PM ET
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Posted by: PracticalIndependent | April 21, 2010 1:40 PM | Report abuse
A helpless child (actually a baby) was tortured (starved) to the point of death, by a parent who no doubt never missed a meal. How is she a victim? How is this fair or compassionate?
Posted by: PracticalIndependent | April 21, 2010 1:41 PM | Report abuse
Ahhhh, our liberal judicial system at it's best, she murders a 1 year old and she becomes the victim. WTF? Yet another reason to hate liberals.
Posted by: savethepcbs | April 21, 2010 1:47 PM | Report abuse
This has nothing to do with liberals. I'm an unabashed liberal and I'm very upset by this plea agreement, just as I am sickened by the crime. The mother is clearly mentally challenged, so I wouldn't put much stock in her inane interpretations of what she did.
Posted by: Marylander4 | April 21, 2010 1:56 PM | Report abuse
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A helpless child (actually a baby) was torture (starved) to the point of death, by a parenet who no doubt never missed a meal. How is she a victim? How is this fair or compassionate?