Three members of a Philadelphia-based cult have been charged with first-degree murder in the starvation death of a 19-month old boy. Also charged is the boy's mother, Ria Ramkisson who is currently undergoing a psychiatric assessment while in custody awaiting a bail review. The body of 19-month old Javon Thompson was found in an abandoned suitcase in April of this year by Baltimore police acting on an anonymous tip. The cult relocated from Baltimore to Philapelphia in 2007.
According to court documents, Ramkisson joined I Mind Ministries shortly after Javon was born. Her two other children have reported that cult members began starving Javon in December, 2006 because his refusing to say "Amen" after eating made them believe he was a demon. After his death, the body was placed in a suitcase which was then disinfected to hide the odor. The children have since been taken away by authorities.
Ramkisson's family maintains that she was not responsible for her actions as she was under cult control.
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