By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Writer A 29 year old Haitian immigrant has been charged with setting her six year-old daughter on fire while performing a bizarre voodoo ritual meant to drive out evil spirits. According to a report in the New York Post, Marie Lauradin of Queens allegedly burned her daughter, Frantzcia Saintil, while performing a voodoo ritual called "Loa,” which involved spraying a circle of rum on the floor around the girl, pouring some on her head, then setting her on fire. It was only after the child was engulfed in flames that her 70 year old grandmother, Sylvenie Thessier, doused the child with water to put out the fire. However, instead of seeking immediate medical attention, the women put the child to bed where she suffered for nearly a day before a friend convinced them to take her to the hospital. Court papers reveal that Frantzcia has second- and third-degree burns covering 25 percent of her body, including her face, and torso. Police say Ms. Lauradin claimed she was boiling rice in a pot and accidentally spilled it on the girl when she was "startled." She also said it was her mother’s idea to give Frantzcia a bath and put her to bed instead of taking her to the hospital. The truth did not emerge until Frantzcia told her foster caregivers what really happened. Ms. Lauradin has been charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. She is being held on $50,000 bail and has been barred from having any contact with her daughter, who is her only child. Frantzcia’s grandmother has been charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child and faces up to seven years if convicted. Neighbors say they were not surprised by the incident. "They weren't into conversation," said neighbor Henry St. Jean said. "I used to hear them scream at [Frantzcia]. They would tell her to get on her knees for a couple of hours." Frantzcia has suffered permanent scarring, both physically and emotionally, and is now in foster care. © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com