The defence in the trial of a Calgary couple charged in the death of their diabetic son delivered closing arguments in the case on Wednesday.
Emil Radita, 59, and Rodica Radita, 54, are charged with first-degree murder in the 2013 death of their 15-year-old son Alexandru.
The teen weighed only 37 pounds when he died of starvation and untreated diabetes. The trial has heard from medical officials and social workers from the time the teen was diagnosed in 2000.
Witnesses have testified that the Raditas refused to accept that their son had diabetes and did not treat his disease until he was hospitalized in 2003.
He was placed in protective custody in a B.C. foster home for nearly a year, however, a judge overturned that decision and returned Alex to the care of his parents. The family then moved to Alberta, where Alex did not attend school or see a doctor.
One of the Radita’s daughters, who cannot be identified because she is a minor, testified in the case on Tuesday, saying that her parents did not believe in doctors due to the family’s religious beliefs.
The Crown is expected to deliver its closing argument on Thursday.
