Trial Postponed For Cult Members In Baby's Death

BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP)

The trial of three religious cult members accused of starving a toddler to death has been postponed until Jan. 27.

A fourth cult member will have his case heard on Friday -- a possible sign that he intends to plead guilty. Prosecutors obtained a new indictment against Marcus Cobbs last week charging him with accessory after the fact.

Alex DeMetrick reports the delay is frustrating and painful for the dead boy's family.

Home video of Javon Thompson and his mother Ria Ramkissoon doesn't hint at the dark future awaiting them, when they became swept up in the religious cult of Queen Antoinettte.

Authorities say cult members starved 1-year-old Javon Thompson because the boy did not say "Amen" after meals.

His body was packed in a suitcase and taken to Philadelphia, where it was abandoned in a storage room.

Those who police say placed it there, were in court Monday.

"It's hard to be in that room. These people killed my grandson, and I have to be in that room and listen to all that stuff," said Seeta Newton, Javon Thompson's grandmother.

What was heard at the Mitchell Courthouse was another postponement. Prosecutors said scheduling prevented the medical examiner from being available.

"I know they got to do what they have to do, but come on. It's too much," said Newton.

When Queen Antoinette does goes on trial, she and co-defendant Trevia Williams say they will represent themselves. Prosecutors are asking to have the case specially assigned to a single judge.

Ria Ramkissoon has already plead guilty to child abuse resulting in death, and will testify against the others. But in her deal with prosecutors, she said she will only do it if her son is not resurrected first.

Newton says pictures of the funeral and grave have since convinced her daughter that is not going to happen.

But there is still worry Ramkissoon could become intimidated once she comes face-to-face on the witness stand with Queen Antoinette.

"That's what I'm scared of. I think once she sees them, she's going to be intimidated, and that worries me a lot," said Newton.

Under the terms of her plea agreement, after Ria Ramkissoon testifies, prosecutors will recommend she receive psychological treatment, rather than prison time.