"Voodoo Mom" Marie Lauradin sentenced to 17 years for setting daughter on fire

(CBS/WCBS/AP) NEW YORK - Marie Lauradin, a New York City woman who admitted setting her 6-year-old daughter on fire during a voodoo ritual, was sentenced to 17 years in prison Monday.

Prosecutors said Lauradin sprayed the child with rum and set her on fire in June 2009 to rid her daughter of evil sprits, reports CBS station WCBS.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said the young girl suffered life-threatening burns over 25 percent of her body, including her face, and is severely and permanently scarred.

Defense Attorney Jeff Cohen said when Lauradin entered her plea last month that his client acknowledged that her actions were reckless. He would not comment on her motives.

Lauradin pleaded guilty to first-degree assault.

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June 19, 2009 - Voodoo Mom Set Six-Year-Old On Fire, Say Prosecutors