Vegan Florida mother convicted of starving toddler to death with strict raw fruits, vegetables diet

A vegan mother is facing everyday living in prison for murdering her 18-thirty day period-outdated kid who starved to loss of life on a rigid raw fruit and vegetable diet. 

A Florida jury convicted Sheila O’Leary, 39, on Wednesday of first-diploma murder, aggravated youngster abuse, aggravated manslaughter, youngster abuse and two counts of baby neglect in the death of her son, Ezra.

Ezra weighed 17 pounds – 7 lbs beneath common – when he died in his slumber in 2019.

Sheila O’Leary is going through daily life in jail.
(Lee County Sheriff’s Office environment)

Subsequent Ezra’s loss of life, Sheila and her husband, Ryan, told authorities that the loved ones adopted a rigorous vegan diet program confined to “only uncooked fruits and greens” and “breast milk,” according to News Press.

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At the time of Ezra’s loss of life, their 3 other little ones – all underneath the age of 11 – ended up suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. 

O’Leary explained to detectives that her son did not try to eat for a 7 days and that he was “obtaining issues sleeping the evening prior to his death.”

For the duration of the Lee County trial on Wednesday, prosecutor Francine Donnorummo, special victims unit chief at the point out attorney’s office, applied O’Leary’s Google lookups at the time Ezra’s overall health declined as proof from her. 

Ryan faces trial afterwards this 12 months. 
(Lee County Sheriff’s Place of work)

Donnorummo emphasised Ezra’s ailment was serious as O’Leary unsuccessful to supply her little one with food and health and fitness care, in accordance to Information Push.

“This was a believed-out, planned system of motion,” Donnorummo claimed. “Ignorance is not a defense in this situation.”

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Defense attorney Lee Hollander then resolved the jury, demonstrating pictures of Sheila and Ezra. 

“Does that glance like a mother who wishes to eliminate her child?” Hollander questioned. “Just for the reason that it transpired doesn’t indicate she committed a criminal offense.”

The 18-month-aged was only permitted to try to eat raw fruits and veggies. 
(iStock)

In closing arguments, co-prosecutor Sara Miller, an assistant state attorney, dealt with jurors and indicated the criminal offense was not that Ezra died in his sleep, but that O’Leary refused to get her child medical aid. 

“She chose to disregard Ezra’s suffering,” Miller said.

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Sheila O’Leary faces sentencing later on this thirty day period.

Ryan O’Leary, 33, was indicted on the same charges and is predicted to stand demo afterwards this year.