A father sat stoically in court Wednesday as police testified about the actions that led up to the death of his 10-month-old daughter.
Herbert Landrell and the child’s mother, Lauren Fristid, are on trial after their daughter Niveah died of water intoxication.
Detectives say Landrell told them an evil spirit had attacked his daughter, and he thought prayer alone would save her.
”They don't believe in going to doctors, Duluth Detective Charles Hamrick said in court Wednesday.
Landrell showed no emotion as Hamrick testified, while Fristid openly cried.
”She expressed conce that she wasn’t pumping enough for the baby, but instead of going to formula, because Mr. Landell said they couldn't go to formula, because it was too expensive, they started diluting the breast milk with water, Hamrick said.
Authorities say because of that, the infant lost nearly 20 percent of its body weight and starved to death. Despite visible symptoms, police say at the father's orders, the child never was taken to a doctor.
”He tried to say there was an evil spirit attacking his child, and he was warding off that evil spirit with prayer, Hamrick said. ”Mr. Landrell would say, ‘I prayed for her and she’s doing better.’
During the hearing, the man described as the couple's spiritual advisor sat in the courtroom, but refused comment afterwards.
Hamrick testified that Fristid told him she wanted to buy formula for the baby.
Fristid's attoey placed the blame on Landell, but the police didn't buy the argument and found there was enough evidence against both for the murder charge.
”The child wasn't abused physically. The child was starved, Hamrick said.
Both parents were bound over to Superior Court, where they will likely have a chance to ask for bond.
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