GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Even though she wasn't in the Courtroom for the verdict, Shanda Vander Ark was found guilty of both murder and child abuse in the death of her 15-year-old son Timothy Ferguson.
Prosecutors say punishments that included ice baths and consuming hot sauce, and malnourishment contributed to Timothy's death.
Vander Ark did not want to come back to the court room because of "medical distress".
During closing arguments her attorney argued Vander Ark committed manslaughter, not murder.
"They (Vander Ark and Paul Ferguson) caused this boy's death but they didn't intended. That's simply, we're asking that when you do your deliberations, that you consider that," said Vander Ark's Defense Attorney.
Matt Roberts was the prosecutor for Vander Ark's trial and called Friday's verdict justice for Timothy.
"I think as much as can be found sure," said Roberts. "I mean, the justice would be the Timothy is still here. And unfortunately, we can't do that. And sadly, a large part of what we have to do is to speak up for people who are no longer here who can't be here."
Roberts, also commenting on Vander Ark's absence in the courtroom Friday.
"Honestly, it feels sort of like a cowardly way. out," said Roberts. "But I'm also not going to say that if she had some type of legitimate medical condition that kept her from coming to court that certainly you know, those things happen."
Judge Matthew R. Kacel was seen thanking the jury for seeing disturbing images and listening to hard to swallow text messages.
"It was not for the faint of heart," said Judge Kacel. "And certainly for those of you who did this, unfortunately, it's unfortunate you won't get those images out of your mind. I know I won't. But somebody had to do it and I'm glad that you were willing to do that."
Vander Ark's sentencing is scheduled for late next month.
Her son Paul has a court hearing next week to decide if he will have a trial or plead to first agree child abuse. He cooperated with the prosecution in his mother's trial.
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