2-Year-Old Died of Pneumonia, Did Parents' Faith Lead to Son's Death?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) A couple who prayed for their sick toddler rather than take him to a doctor before his pneumonia death is on trial in Philadelphia, charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Defense lawyers say Herbert and Catherine Schaible are being prosecuted because they are Christian fundamentalists and belong to a church that endorses faith healing. Prosecutors say a doctor's visit could have saved their 2-year-old son, Kent.
Catherine Schaible's lawyer says prosecutors cannot prove the mother knew her the toddler was facing death when he became ill in January 2002. He died 10 days later of bacterial pneumonia.
The trial began Tuesday in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. The Schaibles have several other children who remained in their care after the couple was arrested.