"Michigan Mother Convicted of Starving Disabled Son to Death"

Shanda Vander Ark, a Michigan mother, has been found guilty of murder and child abuse in the starvation death of her disabled 15-year-old son. The teenager, who weighed just 69 pounds, died from malnourishment and hypothermia. Vander Ark faces mandatory life in prison and will be sentenced on January 29. Prosecutors argued that she tortured her son by feeding him hot sauce, subjecting him to ice baths, depriving him of sleep, and locking the refrigerator and food cabinets. Vander Ark's other son, Paul Ferguson, allegedly participated in the abuse and faces one count of first-degree child abuse.