Woman gets probation for starving son

BALTIMORE (AP) — A woman who starved her 1-year-old son to death at the behest of a religious cult leader has been given a sentence that won’t require her to serve any more jail time.

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 The plea agreement contained an extraordinary provision: If Javon is resurrected, the plea will be withdrawn.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 cult leader told followers not to feed Javon when he did not say “Amen” during a mealtime prayer. Three people were convicted of second-degree murder.

Ramkissoon, who has been in jail since her 2008 arrest, was given a suspended sentence and five years of probation on Wednesday. She will be committed to a residential treatment facility.