Florida Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Starvation Death of Son

A mother from Cape Coral, Florida, has been sentenced to life in prison following her conviction on charges stemming from the starvation death of her 18-month-old baby.

In July, Shiela O’Leary was found guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter, child abuse, and two counts of child neglect. O’Leary initial sentencing date was July 25, but was postponed four times.

According to investigators, the O’Leary family only ate raw fruits and vegetables with the exception of 18-month-old Ezra, who drank breast milk. The toddler weighed 17 pounds when he died-the size of a 7 month old baby. The O’Leary’s told officers Ezra hadn’t ate for a week before his death.

O’Leary’s husband, Ryan Patrick O’Leary, remains in jail awaiting trial on the same charges. Ryan O’Leary has also been charged with one charge of sexual assault on a victim younger than 12 and one charge lewd and lascivious behavior/molestation on a victim younger than 12 earlier this month.

Judge Bruce Kyle ordered Shiela O’Leary to have no contact with her three surviving children, ages 3, 5, and 11, who all suffered extreme neglect and child abuse.

O’Leary’s lawyer, Lee Hollander, said he was not surprised at the verdict. He said he intends to appeal the verdict. In court documents, Hollander argued the aggravated manslaughter charges and first-degree murder charges amounted to double jeopardy.