Fire Tender Testifies In Arizona Sweat Lodge Case
CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) -- A woman who called 911 following an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony says she believes a self-help author's words convinced participants to stay inside the sweltering structure.
James Arthur Ray is on trial for three counts of manslaughter stemming from the October 2009 ceremony he led near Sedona. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors contend Ray recklessly caused the deaths by conditioning participants to ignore signs of danger.
Ray's attorneys say the deaths were a tragic accident and that participants were free to leave at any time.
Debbie Mercer testified Wednesday that those who were unconscious or physically weak could not make that choice. Mercer and her husband tended to the fire used to heat the rocks placed inside the sweat lodge.
She's set to take the stand again Thursday.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
