May 1, 2008 8:14 am US/Eastern
Md. Woman Blames Grandson's Death On A Cult
BALTIMORE (CBS) ―
A baby from Baltimore was found dead in Philadelphia. That baby's grandmother says a religious cult is behind her grandson's death.
For two years, Seeta Newton says she begged members of a religious cult to let her see her daughter and six-month-old grandson, Javon. They refused. Monday, Javon's body was found inside a south Philadelphia home stuffed in a suitcase. She believes he was murdered in a cult ceremony.
"He wouldn't say amen and so they beat him and told everyone not to feed him because he had a demon inside," Newton said.
She claims the cult, working from a home in Baltimore, brainwashed her daughter, keeping her and her son virtual prisoners.
"The baby was unconscious. They took him away, saying he'd be back," she said.
Inside the cult headquarters, there were bizarre rituals, reported CBS station WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Newton said members referred to themselves as king, queen and prince.
"They didn't believe in doctors or schools. They smoked marijuana and blew it into the baby's mouth," Newton said.
"I'm very angry. They hurt my little baby and now they should suffer themselves," she said.
Investigators believe the young child was murdered in Baltimore and brought to South Philadelphia, but they are not commenting on any possible cult connection.
The owner of the South Philadelphia row home is not under investigation, reported CBS station KYW-TV in Philadelphia.
The members of the alleged cult remain have not been questioned or charged with any crimes at this point.
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