Sect Leader Charged in His Infant’s Death

The leader of a fundamentalist sect was indicted on murder charges in New Bedford, Mass., along with his wife in the death of their infant son, who authorities believe died of starvation. A third member of the sect was charged as an accessory. The indictment charges Jacques Robidoux with first-degree murder for allegedly “directing the systematic withholding of nourishment” for his 10-month-old son, Samuel. Karen Robidoux, the baby’s mother, was charged with second-degree murder. Jacques Robidoux’s sister Michelle Mingo was charged as an accessory before the fact to assault and battery on a child.