MINOT, N.D. – The judge presiding over the case of a North Dakota woman whose 13-year-old son died weighing just 21 pounds has rejected a plea deal struck by her defense and prosecutors.
KXMC-TV (http://bit.ly/1JSJAjg ) reports North Central District Judge Gary Lee on Tuesday said he couldn't accept the terms of the deal that called for Jessica Jensen to spend 16 years in prison.
The 36-year-old Kenmare woman pleaded guilty to murder and neglect charges in April.
She was charged last year after a state medical examiner ruled her son died from chronic starvation due to untreated juvenile appetite disorder. His death was ruled a homicide.
Jensen initially told investigators her son had a hormonal growth problem and his pituitary gland didn't function properly. She said he hadn't seen a doctor for years.
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Information from: KXMC-TV, http://www.kxnet.com
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