According to Xinhua News Agency, an American court ruled on the 16th that a couple would each be sentenced to 8 years in prison because they refused to treat their son who suffered from Hodgkin's lymphoma, leading to his painful death. The deceased boy was named Willie Robinson, who passed away in March 2008 at the age of 8; his father William Robinson is currently 40 years old, and his mother Monica Hussin is 37 years old. The couple had previously reached a guilty plea agreement with the prosecution, admitting to involuntary manslaughter. Their attorney said that the parties were financially strapped and although they wanted to take their son for medical examinations, they were unable to afford the costs. However, according to the prosecution's memorandum, at least eight relatives noticed Willie's deteriorating health condition, most of whom reminded this couple. One relative mentioned that Willie's neck swelling was severe, about the size of a softball. "He (Willie) suffered for 29 months," said Cheryl Swavinsky, Monica Hussin's sister, "for 29 months, they should have done something, but they stood by idly." The prosecution stated that Hodgkin's lymphoma has a relatively high cure rate, and Willie had begged his parents to take him to see a doctor, but was refused. Last month, Cuyahoga County Judge Michael Astrab of Ohio accepted the guilty plea agreement from this couple and handed down the harshest sentence on the 16th. The couple plans to appeal.