A Kansas court on Thursday convicted a church leader of first-degree murder in the death of his adopted son who was wrapped in duct tape as a punishment that the family said was ordered by God.
Neil Edgar Sr., who ran God's Creation Outreach Ministry in Kansas City, Kansas, was found guilty of first-degree murder of his 9-year-old son Brian, and guilty of abusing two of his other children.
The Johnson County District Court also convicted family baby sitter Chasity Boyd on the charges.
Edgar's wife and fellow church leader, Christy Edgar, pleaded guilty to murdering Brian last week.
According to testimony from a church member, Christy Edgar believed herself to be a prophet who spoke with God and received divine instruction on how to discipline children.
Brian Edgar died on December 30, 2002, after he was bound head to foot in duct tape like a mummy, according to witnesses. With only his nose exposed, investigators concluded the boy choked on his own vomit.
The boy's siblings testified that they were frequently tied up as punishment for eating or drinking without permission or for otherwise misbehaving.