1 Mind Ministries
Police say 1 Mind Ministries is a religious cult that reportedly operated out of East Baltimore, Maryland, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Brooklyn, New York. In August 2008, 1 Mind Ministries made headlines when Baltimore mother Ria Ramkissoon, a reported cult member, was accused in the 2006 starvation death of her son, Javon Thompson. Ramkissoon and others allegedly withheld food and water from the toddler because he would not say "amen" before meals.
Fast Facts
- August 2008: Four members of the 1 Mind Ministries cult arrested and charged with first-degree murder, including Ria Ramkissoon
- Ramkissoon is charged in the 2006 starvation death of her child, Javon Thompson
- Police have arrested three other alleged cult members, identified as Queen Antoinette, Marcus Cobbs and Trevia Williams
- Suspect Steven Bynum also faces murder charges; his whereabouts were unknown
- Authorities say Ramkissoon and others deliberately withheld food and water from Thompson
- Thompson was allegedly punished for not saying "amen" before meals
- Cult members were reportedly told that Javon Thompson would rise from the dead
- Thompson's body was discovered inside a suitcase in May 2008
Alleged Cult Members
The alleged leader of the 1 Mind Ministries cult has been identified in court papers as "Queen Antoinette." Other alleged members include Marcus Cobbs, Trevia Williams, Steven Bynum and Ria Ramkissoon, who was reportedly known as "Princess Marie." Queen Antoinette and Williams were arrested in May 2008 on assault charges unrelated to the Javon Thompson case. Bynum's whereabouts were reportedly unknown. All five of the members have now been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Thompson's death.
Little is known about the 1 Mind Ministries cult. According to court records, all of the members wore white and refused medical care. Pregnant women in the cult were reportedly told they would have to give birth without the aid of doctors.
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