article_snippet.sent: But during the trial, the defense said his death was accidental and was likely due to a medical condition, pica, that can cause a person to crave non-edible salty items like clay, sand or dirt.
article_snippet.sent: Dr Edgar Cortes said the boy had development issues that contributed to Dr Edgar Cortes eating disorder. '
article_snippet.sent: Teachers and friends who knew the boy have agreed that the boy had unusual eating habits and even tried to eat trash on one occasion.
article_snippet.sent: Her defense was that Andrew had very odd eating habits or even an eating disorder called pica .