Parents Accused Of Starving Baby Decide Not To Testify
Case Expected To Go To Jury Next Week
POSTED: Friday, November 4, 2005
MIAMI -- In a surprise move, parents accused of letting their baby starve to death have decided not to take the stand in their own defense.
Woyah Andressohn weighed about 7 pounds, half her normal weight, when she died in May 2003. Her parents are charged with aggravated manslaughter and child neglect.
Joseph and Lamoy Andressohn told a judge Friday that they were making the decision not to testify on their own and without coercion. Earlier, defense attorneys said that the Andressohns would testify. There was no explanation given for their decision.
The judge said he expects the case to the jury early next week.
A former Palm Beach County medical examiner testified in court Thursday. He says a review of Woyah's autopsy, medical and police records indicate that she suffered from acid reflux disease, not malnutrition.
Prosecutors say Joseph and Lamoy Andressohn's unorthodox diet caused the girl to starve to death.
The Andressohns eat and feed their children only natural, uncooked foods. Woyah was fed wheat grass, coconut water and almond milk.
Copyright 2005 by
Local10.com.
All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten
or redistributed.