Oregon faith healers get 16 months for son's death
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon couple who believe in faith healing were each sentenced to 16 months in prison on charges of criminally negligent homicide in the death of their son.
Judge Steven Maurer handed down the sentences Monday to Jeff and Marci Beagley, who were convicted last month of failing to seek medical help for their 16-year-old son, Neil. He died in June 2008 of a urinary tract blockage.
Maurer said he hoped the sentences would serve as an example and lead other members of the couple's small church in Oregon City to seek medical attention if their children need it.
The Beagleys are members of the Followers of Christ, whose members shun most medical care in favor of prayer, anointing with oil and the laying on of hands.
Judge Steven Maurer handed down the sentences Monday to Jeff and Marci Beagley, who were convicted last month of failing to seek medical help for their 16-year-old son, Neil. He died in June 2008 of a urinary tract blockage.
Maurer said he hoped the sentences would serve as an example and lead other members of the couple's small church in Oregon City to seek medical attention if their children need it.
The Beagleys are members of the Followers of Christ, whose members shun most medical care in favor of prayer, anointing with oil and the laying on of hands.
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