The trial of an Irvington mother accused of killing her 8-year-old daughter and abusing her two younger kids, today focused on the alleged influence her pastor had over the mother.
On May 22, 2012, Christiana Glenn, 8, was found dead in the Irvington apartment, who authorities claimed had no beds, furniture, electricity, and was covered by white sheets.
A medical examiner later determined Christiana died from severe malnutrition and an untreated broken femur. In another room, authorities found two younger children - Christina and Solomon Glenn – tied to radiators, starved and also had untreated fractures, according to authorities.
Adrien Moncur, attorney of Rezireksyon Kris (mother) noted at today's trial that the influence his client's pastor had over her life could be to blame as to why his client starved her children and did not seek medical attention for their injuries.
According to the attorney, the pastor, Emanyel Rezirekson Kris, who leads a Christian ministry, keeps a strict diet which includes fasting several times per week and believes in traditional medicine oppose to going to the doctor. Moncur also added that his client also legally changed her name (Venette Ovilde) to allegedly match the pastor's name.
Attorney Moncur also stressed that Rezireksyon Kris suffers from diminished capacity and did not have the requisite state of mind to be found guilty of the charges.
The trial is expected to continue.