Couple Guilty of Manslaughter In Son's Death After Choosing Faith Healing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Northeast Philadelphia couple has been convicted in connection with the pneumonia death of their two-year-old son. The defendants chose god and prayer over medicine.
Herbert and Catherine Schiable didn't seek medical treatment as their toddler son grew sicker instead they prayed over him. And prosecutor Joanne Pescatore argued and the jury has found when little Kent died of bacterial pneumonia, it was manslaughter.
"They prayed, but under the law that's not enough, there's a lot more parents have to do and they didn't do it and the jury so found," says Pescatore.
As for what the defendants told police in their statements? "They told police they didn't get medical attention because they believe in faith healing."
The defendants did not comment after the verdict even when asked if they would seek medical care if any of their seven remaining children get sick.
The prosecutor says she will argue for mandatory medical care as part of any sentence.
Reported By Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio.
