Woman who starved her 1-year-old son to death given a suspended sentence and probation

Baltimore SunAccording to observers, a Maryland woman who starved her 1-year-old son to death following instructions from a cult leader was given a suspended sentence and probation.

The Baltimore Sun has reported that Ria Ramkissoon, 23, pleaded guilty in 2009 to child abuse resulting in the death of Javon Thompson by denying him food and water when he would not say "Amen" before meals.

The newspaper further said that Ramkissoon had been living with a small religious cult headed by Toni Sloan, who calls herself Queen Antoinette. Sloan told Ramkissoon her son had "a spirit of rebellion" inside him and he could be cured by denying him food.

Sloan, her daughter Trevia Williams and another cult member were convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. They are set to be sentenced in May and could face up to 60 years in prison.

It was also reported by the Sun that Baltimore Circuit Judge Timothy J. Doory suspended a 20-year sentence for Ramkissoon and ordered her to enter a residential treatment facility for young women. (With Inputs from Agencies)