BALTIMORE -- One of five alleged cult members accused in the starvation death of a toddler has been released from custody pending trial.
The Baltimore State's Attorney's office said Steven Bynum, 42, had his bail status reduced Friday and was released on his own recognizance.
Prosecutor Patty McClane argued unsuccessfully that Bynum was a flight risk and should continue to be held without bail.
Bynum is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Prosecutors said he was part of a religious cult that denied food and water to 1-year-old Javon Thompson in part because the boy would not say "Amen" after meals.
Bynum is one of five people, including Javon's mother, who've been charged in his death. The rest remain in custody.
