Steve Parsons, Mo. man, commits suicide in court after sex conviction, report says

(CBS/AP) MARYVILLE, Mo. - Authorities say a 48-year-old northwest Missouri man apparently committed suicide in court Thursday by swallowing a pill upon being convicted of sodomy, reports CBS affiliate KCTV.

According to the station, Steve Parsons was convicted of molesting a 14-year-old, and moments later he threw his head back, arched his back and had a seizure.

The station reports Parsons apparently swallowed a cyanide pill. He  died at the hospital.

Sources told KCTV that authorities believe Parsons had the pill in his mouth when he entered the courtroom; the pill went undetected by courthouse security.

KCTV reports Sheriff Darren White said Parsons took a drink from a cup he was allowed to bring into the courtroom during jury deliberations.

A search of Parson's home and car revealed he had ordered cyanide to be shipped to his home, reports KCTV.

Parsons, a business owner, was reportedly arrested in July 2011 and charged with two felony counts of having sex with a 14-year-old girl.