Vegan couple starved baby

2007-05-09 22:28

Atlanta - A vegan couple was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison in the death of their malnourished six-week-old, who was fed a diet largely consisting of soymilk and apple juice.

Judge LA McConnell imposed the sentences on Jade Sanders, 27, and Lamont Thomas, 31, for starving the boy, who weighed just 1.6kg when he died.

Six-week-old Crown Shakur died of starvation April 25 2004.

His parents attributed his emaciated state to their strict vegan diet. Vegans are people who do not eat or use any animal products.

The couple was found guilty May 2 of malice murder, felony murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children.

A jury deliberated about seven hours before returning the guilty verdicts.

Defence lawyers said the first-time parents did the best they could while adhering to the lifestyle of vegans, who typically use no animal products.

They said Sanders and Thomas did not realise the baby, who was born at home, was in danger until minutes before he died.

But prosecutor Mike Carlson told the jury during closing arguments: "They're not vegans. They're baby killers!"

- AP