Pair Convicted in Starvation Death of Son
A jury convicted an unemployed couple of third-degree murder Friday for starving their 14-year-old son during a six-week fast that the family endured while leaving nearly $4,000 for God and waiting for his help.
Larry and Leona Cottam, who are Seventh-day Adventists, held hands and showed no emotion as jury foreman Maria Uitti read the guilty verdicts before the packed Luzerne County courtroom.
Eric Cottam died Jan. 3 after the family had not eaten since Nov. 22. The Cottams’ 12-year-old daughter, Laura, recovered from malnourishment and is in foster care.
Besides third-degree murder, which required a jury finding of malice on the part of Cottam, 39, and his wife, 38, the couple were found guilty of reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of children.
The Cottams remained free on $50,000 bail each posted by an anonymous benefactor. No sentencing date has been set. The Cottams face a maximum of 28 years in prison.
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