Wolrd Religion

A Baltimore jury on Tuesday afternoon convicted three alleged cult members on charges of first-degree child abuse resulting in death and second-degree murder for starving a 16-month-old boy in their city apartment because he did not say "amen" before meals.

The defendants each face a maximum of 60 years in prison when they are sentenced, scheduled for May 18.

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The Washington County Sheriff's Office is investigating an allegation of dishonest testimony about medical records of the state's key witness during the 2007 criminal trial of FLDS polygamous sect prophet Warren S. Jeffs.

The case was based on a 2001 spiritual marriage Jeffs performed between Elissa Wall, then 14, and Allen G. Steed, then 19.

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Closing arguments are expected today in the Baltimore trial of three members of an alleged cult -- the now defunct 1 Mind Ministries -- who are accused of starving a toddler to death because he didn't pray properly.

The defendants, who are representing themselves, rested their cases within minutes Monday without calling any witnesses.

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Brian David Mitchell is competent to stand trial in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart despite his personality disorders, a judge ruled Monday.

In a 149-page decision, U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball said Mitchell can understand the charges against him and help his lawyers in his defense, the standard for mental competency.

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