Baltimore, USA - The leader of a Baltimore religious cult, her daughter and another aide went on trial this week on charges of starving a toddler who would not say "amen."
Toni Sloan, known to her followers as "Queen Antoinette," is charged with the first-degree murder of Javon Thompson, 16 months, the Baltimore Sun reports. Her daughter, Trevia Williams, and Marcus Cobbs face second-degree murder charges.
Jurors heard opening arguments Monday from Assistant State's Attorney Julie Drake and Williams and Cobbs, who are representing themselves. Sloan, also acting as her own lawyer, said she would give her opening after the prosecution presents witness.
Javon's mother, Ria Ramkissoon, had been living with Sloan's group for almost a year when Sloan allegedly gave the order to deny the boy food, officials said. His mummified body was found in Philadelphia in a shed in 2007.
Drake said Williams watched Ramkissoon to make sure she did not sneak food to her son. After the boy died, Cobbs allegedly packed his body into a suitcase to be transported to Philadelphia.
"These three, Queen Antoinette and her two top aides, orchestrated Javon's death and the bizarre coverup that followed," Drake said.