Why second-degree? Were the defendants unaware that starving a child would eventually lead to his death?
"BALTIMORE - The leader of a household that authorities described as a religious cult was convicted Tuesday along with two other people of starving a 1-year-old boy to death because he did not say "Amen" during a mealtime prayer.
Jurors convicted the leader, Queen Antoinette, 41, of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in the death of Javon Thompson, who was 15 or 16 months old when he died in December 2006 or January 2007.
Antoinette's daughter, Trevia Williams, 22, and another follower, Marcus A. Cobbs, 23, were also found guilty of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Cobbs was also convicted of accessory after the fact.
The defendants face up to 60 years in prison when they are sentenced May 18.
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"We've been like pariahs," Antoinette said. "These people want to blame someone for this child's death, so they've chosen us."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35676266/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/