Ohio parents admit denying ailing son medical care


January 11, 2012 at 3:03p.m.

Ohio parents admit denying ailing son medical care

CLEVELAND (AP) — The parents of an 8-year-old Ohio boy who died from Hodgkin lymphoma have pleaded guilty to denying him medical treatment.

Thirty-seven-year-old Monica Hussing and 40-year-old William Robinson Sr., both of Cleveland, pleaded guilty Monday to attempted involuntary manslaughter.

Willie Robinson collapsed at his home on March 22, 2008. Prosecutors say he had begged his parents to take him to see a doctor but was rejected.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly treatable cancer.

Prosecutors say that while the boy was suffering, the parents claimed financial hardship but paid $87 to have a pit bull treated for fleas.

Hussing’s lawyer says his client didn’t realize the boy was seriously ill and was treating him with cold medication.

Each parent faces up to eight years in prison at sentencing next month.