Monday August 29, in Florida, a vegan mother was sentenced to life in prison after the death of her son. Consuming only vegetables and dried fruits, the 18-month-old boy died of complications resulting from his malnutrition.
Shock wave in the United States. Sheila O’Leary, 38, whose family followed a strict vegan diet, was sentenced to life in prison on six counts: first degree murder, aggravated abuse, manslaughter, child abuse and two counts of child neglect. In effect, his 18-month-old son Ezra was found unconscious at the family home September 27, 2019. Died when help arrived, the little boy had succumbed to complications resulting from his malnutrition. He was dehydrated and his liver had been affected. Moreover, as noted by the medical examiner, Ezra also had swollen hands, feet and legs. “This child has not eaten. He died of starvation after 18 months”, said Francine Donnorummo, head of the special victims unit at the Lee County State’s Attorney’s Office, during the trial of Sheila O’Leary. The investigation then showed that the tribal chief had played a role in the tragic disappearance of the young victim. Indeed, making him drink breast milk, she fed her son only dried fruits and vegetables. At 1.5 years old, the 18-month-old boy weighed 17 pounds (8 kilograms) and was the size of a 7-month-old baby. The couple also told detectives that Ezra hadn’t eaten in a week and was having trouble sleeping the night before he died. His two other brothers, aged 3 and 5, were also very thinCape Coral Police also said in the magazine People.
The father awaiting trial
Sheila O’Leary isn’t the only one arrested. In effect, her husband, father of the children, also followed the same diet. He is awaiting trial on the same charges. At this stage of the procedure, nothing indicates whether the individual will plead guilty or not guilty. In the meantime, he is imprisoned without the possibility of release on bail.
For their part, the lawyers of the incriminated couple do not cease to insist on the attention paid to Erza. “The child’s death, while tragic, was neither intentional nor negligent, but accidental, and is listed on the death certificate as such”, said the defender of Sheila O’Leary with the chain WFTX. However, toddlers need a daily balanced and healthy diet made up of products from the three food groups: vegetables and fruits, whole grain products and protein foods.