Iowa couple accused of starving their son to take plea deals

PLEASANT HILL, Iowa (AP) — Court documents indicate that an Iowa couple accused of starving a son who has special needs will take plea deals in the case. Richard Joe Ryan and Jennifer Ryan, of Pleasant Hill, were charged in April with first-degree kidnapping and neglecting a dependent. Investigators said the couple’s teenage son weighed only 78 pounds when he was taken to a hospital last year. KCCI-TV reports new court documents indicate Richard Ryan will be sentenced April 1 after agreeing to plead guilty to reduced charges. Court documents also show Jennifer Ryan will agree to a plea deal on April 1.