Couple indicted again in son's death

James, Heather Lindorff accused of abusing boy from Russia

BERNIE WEISENFELD

Courier-Post

A Gloucester County grand jury has issued a new indictment charginga Franklin Township couple with the abuse and death of their 5-year-oldson in December 2000, less than two months after they adopted himin Russia.

The indictment, returned Thursday, supersedes an indictmentin July that charged Heather Lindorff, 37, with aggravated manslaughterand her husband, James Lindorff, 52, with child abuse.

Charges are the same in the new indictment, but the allegationsnow encompass more time, said Assistant County Prosecutor MaryPyffer.

`They were originally charged with offenses just occurringon the date of death, Dec. 14, 2000,' Pyffer said. `Medical evidencenow suggests the child was abused prior to the date of death.'

The new indictment alleges injuries to Jacob Lindorff up tosix weeks before death, Pyffer said.

An autopsy determined the child died from blunt trauma to thehead. At bail hearings, Pyffer said the boy also had numerous bruisesand scars and his feet were burned.

The re-indictment came a day before James Lindorff's lawyerwas to argue a motion to dismiss the original indictment becauseof insufficient proof that his client committed abuse on Dec. 14,2000. That motion is now moot and the original indictment will bedismissed, Pyffer said.

`Now we have evidence of abuse during a six-week period,' shesaid. The Lindorffs will remain free on the same bail: $100,000for Heather Lindorff and $25,000 for her husband.

No trial date has been set. Attorneys are still exchanging expertmedical opinions, Pyffer said.

Five other Russian children the Lindorffs adopted -- Jacob'stwin brother, an older brother and three sisters -- continue to livewith Heather Lindorff's mother.

Reach Bernie Weisenfeld (856) 845-6533 or bweisenfeld@courierpostonline.com