AMERICUS - An Americus woman first charged with murder in the death of her disabled son has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. <br>
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Ramona Ellis pleaded guilty to cruelty to children. Sumter County Superior Court Judge Rucker Smith sentenced her Monday to ten years -- two years to be served in jail -- and the remainder as probation. <br>
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Smith then ordered the defendant released, based on time served. <br>
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Ellis had been accused of murdering her son -- Raymond -- but a psychologist testified she is mentally disabled. <br>
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For 14 years, doctors, teachers and others complained that Ellis could not care for Raymond. He was hospitalized 21 times, and had pressure sores from being left in his chair or bed for long stretches of time. <br>
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Raymond died in June 1997 from an infection. He was 16.
