Crime

Mother Chokes Son to Death Trying to Exorcise Devil Out of Him

An Indiana mother is being charged with murder after police say she choked her three-year-old son to death while trying to exorcise the devil out of him. Authorities say she thought his crying and temper tantrums were the result of demonic forces.

WANE-TV reports:

According to court documents, Fort Wayne resident Latisha Lawson, 31, forced a mixture of oil and vinegar to her children because she believed they were both demon possessed.

Lawson’s daughter Kierra King, 10, vomited when given the mixture. Her son Jezaih King, 3, was given the oil and vinegar three times. On the third time, Lawson told detectives she held Jezaih’s mouth shut for about 10 minutes until he stopped breathing.

Details of the incident, which occurred in 2009, are only coming to light now due to the just-released court documents. The Daily Mail offers more details:

Mrs Lawson then forced her ten-year-old-daughter. Kierra, to pray over her dead brother before wrapping his body in a blanket and storing it in a cupboard.

The toddler‘s death was only discovered earlier this month when his decaying body was found at Mr Lawson’s home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after a welfare check.

The victim’s grandmother had contacted authorities after becoming concerned for his welfare.

“I don’t know of any particular denomination that has an official practice saying these are the things you need to use in order to exorcise a demon,” Dr. Quinton Dixie, an IPFW religion professor, told WANE-TV. He explained that oil is usually used to anoint or bless, but rarely does one see it ingested to deter evil.

Comments (132)

1 2
  • goatkid
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:58pm

    I know she needs help, but it’s hard to feel sorry for someone that can do somthing like that to an innocent child. While we should pray for her, she also needs to spend the rest of her life in prison, hopefuly feeling miserable for waht she’s done.

    Report Post »  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:33pm

    It appears to me that she must have rubbed elbows with a muslim and a demon jumped into her

    Report Post »  
    • Dandylyon
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:49pm

      No Muslim’s here or she would have sold him.Muslim’s like em young.

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 9:17pm

      …or a Catholic.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • bobodu
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 5:47am

      They don’t report everything here and our local news is much more detailed. She is actually a Baptist.

      Report Post »  
  • Dandylyon
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:31pm

    Allllllllvin,Alvin Green,here’s your running mate,make history and make this woman the first vise prez.

    You can do it Alvin,Oh wait ,you my have to wait tell she gets out of jail

    Report Post »  
  • cnerd
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:26pm

    I pray for that poor child! May justice be swift. It seems that some in this society have lost the ability to respect and protect the helpless.

    Report Post » cnerd  
  • HippoNips
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:31pm

    I’m sure she tried to rationalize what she done after she did it, not before.
    On welfare and the father in jail . Hmmph, it must be societies fault

    Report Post »  
  • shorthanded12
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:02pm

    God Bless the boy that didnt have a chance. But have to ask why is this just know coming out nationaly if this occured in 2009. What the hell pocess parents to do this to there own? I had my ups and downs with raising my children but never to the point to result in such tragic ending.

    Report Post »  
  • MBA
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:48pm

    Is that procedure covered under obamy’s healthcare bill? I guess we‘ll just have to consult with nancy if she’s read the bill yet,

    Report Post »  
  • mikemanners11
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:39pm

    I have to laugh at you hypocrites weeping over the death of this child..calling him an Angel…..but if this innocent was a Fetus in a womb you would have NO PROBLEM with KILLING him before he was born.

    Hypocritical Nation…

    Yes the boy’s death was tragic. But so are the 49,551,703 babies KILLED by Abortionist and their supporters (like many of you) since Roe vs. Wade.

    Save your Crocodile Tears for someone who can believe your sanctimony.

    Report Post » mikemanners11  
    • mikemanners11
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:47pm

      Abortion kills minority children at more than 3 times the rate of non-Hispanic, white children. The rate is even worse for black children.

      Martin Luther King, Jr.once said, “The ***** cannot win as long as he is willing to sacrifice the lives of his children for comfort and safety.” How can the “Dream” survive if we murder the children? Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate.

      Lest you feel these claims are an exaggeration, consider the numbers. According to the most recent census data, black women make up 12.3% of the female population in America, but account for 35% of all U.S. abortions – that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Guttmacher Institute (AGI) puts the percentage of black abortions at 37% of the U.S. total.

      Report Post » mikemanners11  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:04pm

      i am sorry, but no one was even talking about abortion,the notion that you believe most of us are for abortion,is just nuts, maybe you should know who you are calling a hypocrite before you open your mouth, maybe you have a great point, but this was not the time to say it,and if you feel so strongly in what you have just posted, then why not go preach to this message to those you think need it most,instead of calling people you have no idea who they are hypocrites!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • mikemanners11
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:24pm

      @Commonsenseguy

      You fail to life up to your fake name you post by…

      I had NO idea you owned The Blaze website. I also had NO idea that you owned the Internet.

      I will say WHAT I want – WHEN I want to on a Free Public forum like The Blaze.

      If YOU do not like it then you are hereby cordially invited to go jump in the lake. ; D

      Racist Indifference to the plight of the Black child I will NOT tolerate. If you do not like minorities to discuss Civil right issues then go burn a Cross and leave us alone.

      Report Post » mikemanners11  
    • Deanna in Missouri
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:38pm

      Most of us here are conservatives and are against abortion. You shouldn’t say most of us are for abortion. You are an idiot.

      Report Post » Deanna in Missouri  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:52pm

      Mike man
      I do see your way of thinking as it is also mine. Did you see that group called run away slaves around the time of the 10/28 DC rally for honor. There was a black woman who went nose to nose with Sharptons rally and said she was for Glenn Beck and Tea Partiers as they gave the unborn child rights and also she brought out that Government meddling had destroyed the black families with money to single mothers. She also questioned why everyone was walking away at her comments as she was very strong in her beliefs. You probably can find these things if you look for them. We, yes we Tea Party conservatives morn the death of our children. We also beg God for forgiveness as we are responsible. But there are other forces who have driven this murder of innocents. We are on the brink of a revolution as we are being pushed toward it. If you have been in the left in any movement please come to the light and the right. Thanks and God I love America!

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • mikemanners11
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:01pm

      @Deanna in Missouri

      Smile.

      If you say that I am not able to tell that most people posting here are against abortion – then HOW in the WORLD can you be sure that they are NOT?

      Moron.

      Judging by your Avatar I see you are just another white with racist indifference that could care LESS about the suffering of the Black underclass.

      You would NEVER have the guts to talk like that our faces.

      mikemanners11  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:34pm

      Mikeman
      I sent you an honest reply and friendly response. But as I read your other comments I think maybe you are an ******* with a big black chip on your shoulder. Therefore I am going to mark you in my mind as loserville. I will not respond to you further as you are a worthless racist waste of air. And God I love America.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • mikemanners11
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 9:34pm

      @P C BE DAMNED

      Racists like you are the REAL losers.

      I would venture to say you are a coward as well. Would you mind talking your trash against us “Blacks with attitude” (as you put it) in person FACE to FACE?

      No. Safer and more cowardly to talk your brave talk HIDING behind a computer.

      You sir are regulated to Racist Loserville.

      mikemanners11  
  • idrathermisstotheright
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:38pm

    I didn’t the Frances Fox Piven had any children.

    Report Post » idrathermisstotheright  
  • Constitutional
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:36pm

    She sounds like a very progressive liberal mother.

    Report Post » Constitutional  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:33pm

    god will protect this child, he will make him an angel ,i ask god to bless this family in their grief.
    now, i hope that this woman { beast } will have so much pain and suffering that she will beg for forgiveness, i hope some one will just beat the hell out of her and the guy that stabbed is child,any one who would hurt one of gods angels,should be gut shot or strung up by their feet and let the buzzards eat on them, the only justice that would be fitting for punishment,would be death.

    Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:33pm

      Common
      Angels are a separate creation of Gods. Humans were created a little lower than angels. We will never be angels.God can resurrect dead humans in the future to damnation or everlasting life as humans. No offense. FYI

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
  • Tribulation
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:22pm

    Anneliese Michel Exorcism audio tapes (long version)

    Anneliese Michel (September 21, 1952 – July 1, 1976) was a German Catholic woman who was said to be possessed by demons and subsequently underwent an exorcism. Two motion pictures, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem are loosely based on Anneliese’s story.

    Anneliese experienced what is recognized by medical professionals as severe psychiatric disturbances from the age of 16 to her death, at age 23, as a direct or indirect result of an exorcism ritual. Both priests who performed the exorcism and Anneliese’s parents were convicted of negligent homicide. The Roman Catholic Church, which had authorized the exorcism, reversed its position and declared Anneliese Michel a case of mental illness. Many people believe she was genuinely possessed by demons, and her grave-site is a destination for pilgrims to this day.

    http://gurubootcamp.net/about/anneliese-michel-exorcism-audio-tapes-long-version

    Report Post » Tribulation  
  • Redsolitaire
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:13pm

    I don‘t think she’s insane. There are probably an amazing number of people who believe in demonic possession and similar remedies. Some of the ridiculous practices and beliefs common in Voodoo ceremonies are no less bizarre. What was it I read about people being hung to death in Haiti, because of some Voodoo belief they were spreading disease? There are folks who kiss poisonous snakes, refuse medical treatments, and blow things up as part of their religious beliefs. This woman is hardly unique, just too stupid to recognize the signs of suffocation. And, of course, she’s that stupid, because she is just another helpless victim of white male dominated society. In other words, “It‘s Bush’s fault!”

    Not to worry, Comrade Obama will intervene. At the very least, the woman will be back home in no time, ensuring the surviving child has plenty of oil and vinegar for her continuing struggle against the power of de Devil. Wonder how long it will take for DSHS to reduce the woman’s welfare check to reflect the reduced family size (if ever).

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:34pm

      Kissing poisonous snakes is NOT a religious belief. It’s LOVE.

      Report Post »  
  • Tribulation
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:07pm

    She’s the one possessed to bring forth murder of her child…

    She’s going for an insanity “plea” whether temporary or drug induced….

    Report Post » Tribulation  
  • BuckOfama
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:07pm

    I am not religious in the least but I just prayed for that little boy.

    Report Post »  
  • FANGS
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:00pm

    Wow what a supprise, she’s black.

     
    • chips1
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:29pm

      Bill Cosby tries to tell them but they call him names. If there was a father involved with the children, this might have been prevented. I have a wierd feeling that the courts and werfare were involved in cultivating the situation. Just a guess.

      Report Post »  
    • bobodu
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 5:05am

      Yes, it is surprising. This is usually done by white women who drown their kids in the tub, lock them in car seats and drive the car into the lake or smother them with pillows. Then they claim Postpartum Depression.

      Report Post »  
  • texasfarmer
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:57pm

    Maybe if she wasn‘t a welfare queen she’d have been exposed to the world and develop some coping skills. Probation.

    Report Post » texasfarmer  
  • MOVETERAN
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:46pm

    Why do I find myself wondering what kind of life a person, that feels compelled to “Exercise” a demon from a 3 yr old, lives? When did a failure on a parent’s part become the work of the Devil? Oh ya when we created a country of victoms.

    Report Post » MOVETERAN  
  • Rn mom
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:46pm

    Apparently the CPS is one step behind what the children need… again.Let’s keep inventing agencies so there are more layers of failure. Sad to hear stories like this, a CPS that is over loaded with work- where is their TARP? I already know the answer, no one really cares. Kids and the elderly don’t matter as much as fat banksters or “muslim victims” to our government.

    Report Post » RN MOM  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:44pm

    What is going on in the Hoosier State Lately?—-Either its those Caleee freeks moving there or bad spirits are coming down from Deerborne Mich.

    Report Post »  
  • HillBillySam1
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:39pm

    The cruelty that these people bring on their children is unthinkable. She will probably use an “insanity” defense to lesson the punishment that she is facing…..meanwhile, a little three year old child was murdered by his own mother and his ten year old sister will be scared for the rest of her life after this abuse…..absolutely pitiful!

    Report Post »  
  • huntee
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:39pm

    I know what this woman deserves, the death penalty , she has the devil in her. another innocent child murdered !!!

    Report Post »  
    • BeckIsNuts
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 12:10pm

      The devil? If you believe that, then you need a special shiny stone I’ll soon be selling on Ebay. It will protect you from evil spirits, especially the devil. It’s only $39. Buy two for $60 and give the gift of devil protection to a friend!

      Report Post »  
  • The Gooch
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:39pm

    This is yet another example among many revealing the tragedy of ignorance. I shudder to think of the sport that will be made over this story. This isn’t something to have a cheap, partisan, race-tinged cackle over, but I‘m sure the masses won’t fail to disappoint.

    Report Post »  
    • cykonas
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 7:52pm

      I just read through to the end. Unfortunately you were right.

      Report Post » cykonas  
  • byehlik
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:39pm

    Another nut, or another religious nut out of control, or just another welfare fool. All the same, off with her head!

    Report Post » byehlik  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:11pm

      I guess it would be ok if she did it right at the
      Bohemian Grove with the powerful elite

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • lpc
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:07pm

      Re: BECKISNUTS
      Your are a moron if you think that is a religion. How about being possesed the the devil?

      Report Post »  
    • BeckIsNuts
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:32pm

      LPC, the devil does not exist. So your statement has no merit.

      Report Post »  
    • waggie
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:43pm

      @BeckIsNuts: I assure you he does exist and wants just the opposite of what God wants. God is love and loves us unconditionally. Satan is the father of lies and hates us. He wants to pull us away from God and he wants to make sure we spend etermity with him in hell. I do believe with all my heart that Satan inspires incidents like this. He is at the root of all sin and hate. This woman needs to know that what she did was wrong and not of God, but she also needs to know that she can be forgiven by God if she asks.

      Report Post » waggie  
    • waggie
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:44pm

      @Byehlik. Shame on you. This woman needs help!

      Report Post » waggie  
    • BeckIsNuts
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Waggie, you don’t assure me at all with your delusional ideas. Where did you learn such utter nonsense and superstition? Your statement makes no sense on any level. So you say satan hates us, yet satan wants us with him for eternity? That’s enough to make a cat laugh.

      Do you do any thinking for yourself at all or just accept everything your religion spoon feeds you? None of it makes any sense and I can assure you, it was all thought up by superstitious people just like yourself.

      Satan indeed.

      Report Post »  
    • Psalm 144 verse 1
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 2:34pm

      @beckisnuts & this lady,

      DON’T SMOKE CRACK!

      Report Post » Psalm 144 verse 1  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 4:13pm

      @Waggie

      You are quite right. The devil needs to make evil look attractive so we are drawn to it. He tries to convince us that if we do things that are evil, good will come of it.

      Report Post »  
    • Republic Under God
      Posted on January 4, 2011 at 9:52am

      @Beckisnuts

      What on earth do you think God did (or didn’t do) to you that you find it so compelling to attack faith in Him every chance you get. And with statements like the last (”So you say satan hates us, yet satan wants us with him for eternity? That’s enough to make a cat laugh”) make you seem like you are desperately grabbing for ANYTHING to attack the faith. It’s obviously a “I AM TAKING YOU WITH ME,” move.

      My prayers are with you. Let’s see what endures, His love for you or your over-antagonistic rejection of His love and/or your natural life.

      Report Post » Republic Under God  
  • runninonempty
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:37pm

    That woman must be insane.

    Report Post »  
    • klstj
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 5:55pm

      When I hear stories like this, it breaks my heart. For those who say she must be insane, who knows. I prefer not to understand any of these horrific things. On some level I feel if I were capable of understanding then something would be wrong with me. It’s something that reason and understanding should be out of the realm of good people.

      Report Post »  
    • BeckIsNuts
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:36pm

      Religion strikes again. Superstition can be a deadly indulgence.

      Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 6:37pm

      No one in their right mind would do something like this. I hope she gets the help she needs whatever that may be.

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • scott2012
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:16pm

      What was she thinking? Now her ADC, SSI and welfare checks will only be
      half what they were! But somehow I feel the father should be punished too. Was
      there nobody in this community that saw this coming. I think we should quit
      paying people in this country for just breeding!

      Report Post »  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:23pm

      Welfare caused this. If she would have gone to work she wouldn’t have had time to lay around and go insane. And you can guess how the children will grow up and be part of the problem. Pray for kids everywhere.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 7:36pm

      Funny, people think the “Devil” is some awful ugly spirit. Last I checked he was enticing probably incredibly good- looking and oh, so enticing. his lies are always what we want to hear.
      Jesus’ goodness is what frightens us because next to Him we are ugly and our sinful natures are repugnant.

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • mrlogan3
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:35pm

      $1,000,000 says she wasn’t a Muslim, yet nobody on the site is going to demonize HER religion.

      Report Post » TRUTH  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 9:05pm

      Did I read this correctly – she wrapped him in a sheet and put him in the cabinet and kept him there for almost a year – that is beyond insane!! http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 9:06pm

      A few thoughts -

      What a tragic, tragic thing. And the mother knew she did wrong because she hid the body.

      Castor bean oil is used in “folk medicine” as a “cure” for constipation, along with a bunch of other uses. The use of it is discouraged because it induces violent cramping and explosive bowel movements. When I did a quick search on castor oil, a brand came up that was called “Jamaican Black”. I don’t know if the woman is Jamaican or not, but the belief in demon possession would fit.

      I am in no way, defending this woman and have to restrain myself from adding adjectives to the word “woman”.

      I am amazed at the amount of anger that people are exhibiting in their treatment of others. Maybe she should be subjected to a few doses of castor oil and see how it feels.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • Sledgehammer
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 9:22pm

      This is for Logan, Dude the differance between the two is an individual is an idiot/insane who killed her child, because of her belief, and the other will kill your child because of their religion saying so!
      As for myself she should at the very least join her son!

      Report Post » Sledgehammer  
    • James
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 9:26pm

      One of them had demons but it was not the kid.

      http://crazyconservative.wordpress.com/

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 8:36am

      Insane or ON DRUGS! Probably drugs.

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • mill
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:56am

      She is ill…at the same time she knew to hide the body.

      Can you imagine how scared that baby boy was, how he suffered?

      Report Post »  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:02am

      Yes maybe someone needs to choke the devil out of her.

      Report Post »  
    • JESUS-IS-LORD
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:54am

      The only way to remove demons from your body is to do DELIVERANCE
      in the name of Jesus and you have to be born again with the grace of God.
      She must have been catholic because that is clearly not the way to do it.
      Do you seriously think the demons will leave with oil and vinegar?
      That’s like trying to kill roaches with soda.

      Report Post » JESUS-IS-LORD  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on January 3, 2011 at 5:14pm

      @Sledgehammer The irony is that YOUR bible tells you to do the same exact thing the Koran tells them to do. You hate homosexuals because of what the old testament teaches you but in that same book it tells you to kill that homosexual. Why aren’t you out there killing? Yes, there‘s a problem with extremist muslims but don’t try to paint the entire islam as evil because Christians and Catholics can equally be as evil. It‘s a matter of how far either one of you are willing to take your God’s words literally.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • Republic Under God
      Posted on January 4, 2011 at 9:40am

      @Mrlogan

      Might be because we don’t know what her religion is… And if her religion prescribes the swallowing of oil and vinegar and asfixiation to remove demons (not sure which one that would be) then CONDEMN. Most of us figure she is just nuts and twisted.

      Report Post » Republic Under God  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on January 5, 2011 at 5:14am

      Would someone tell her Barack Obama has the devil ihim

      Report Post » orkydorky  
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