Four family members were sentenced to life in prison in a federal terrorism and kidnapping case related to a 3-year-old boy who was found dead at a New Mexico compound in 2018. The boy, identified as Abdul Ghani, was abducted by his father, Siraj Wahhaj, and other family members who believed he would be resurrected as Jesus Christ. Prosecutors accused the family of engaging in firearms and tactical training to prepare for attacks against the government.
Siraj Wahhaj, his sisters, and Subhanah Wahhaj and Subhanah’s husband, Lucas Morton, were sentenced to life in prison without parole. The fifth defendant, Jany Leveille, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Leveille was described as a spiritual leader for the group and prophesied that Abdul would resurrect on Easter, planning to lead the group in violent attacks against society. When the resurrection did not happen, the group thought he would return on his birthday, but he was found dead on the compound.
Authorities discovered 11 children living in poor conditions at the compound, along with firearms and ammunition at a makeshift shooting range. The investigation found Abdul’s remains in an underground tunnel, with prosecutors claiming he had been deprived of crucial medication. The defendants were convicted of terrorism-related charges after a trial where they argued they were targeted because they were Muslim.
Leveille was sentenced to 15 years due to her diagnosis of acute schizophrenia and her apology for her involvement in the horrific events. The sentencing marks a conclusion to the case that involved a disturbing mix of religious extremism and violent conspiracy theories.
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