Religion: Oregon faith healing trial goes to jury. Attorneys for the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments Friday in the faith healing death of young Neil Beagley. Marci and Jeffrey Beagley are charged with criminally negligent homicide for failing to provide medical care to their 16 year old son Neil, who died in June 2008 of complications from an undiagnosed congenital urinary blockage.
The couple could face a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the faith-healing death of their son. Because they have no criminal record, the normal sentencing range would be 16 to 18 months in prison.
The Beagley's belong to Followers of Christ Church in Oregon City, Oregon. The church teaches that modern medicine should be shunned in favor of prayer.
The jury is charged with determining if a reasonable person would have sought medical attention given Neil's condition. If the jury believes the Beagleys claim that Neil's symptoms looked like no more than the flu, and that they had no idea Neil was at risk of death, then the jury should return a verdict of “not guilty”.
However, if they find a reasonable person would have taken him to the doctor they must return a “guilty” verdict for criminally negligent homicide.
The evidence shows that Neil had a long and lengthy pattern of illness, and that this was no simple "flu". Evidence provided at the trial revealed Neil had pain and trouble urinating since age 12, yet never received medical attention. Towards the end Neil had stopped eating and drinking, yet the parents did nothing.
The defense is hardly convincing. On one hand the defense argues that Neil was old enough to refuse medical attention, and on the other hand the parents claim that Neil's symptoms did not warrant medical attention. The fact is, a rather mundane and very treatable condition was left untreated by Beagley's parents, in favor of prayer and faith in the Lord. As one might expect, the Lord was no where to be found, and young Beagley paid for his parents ignorance and superstition with his life.
The Beagley's are intellectually incompetent moral failures. Their ignorant superstition brought about the tragic death of their son. Whether or not Neil himself refused medical attention is beside the point. By forcing Neil to participate in this religious perversion, by brainwashing and indoctrinating him into this cult of insanity, they are guilty of years of child abuse. Such people should not be allowed to be parents; they should not have been allowed to spoil and ruin an innocent life.
Comments
Religion
"The Lord was nowhere to be found"? I'd say He was found and said "Take him to a doctor." The problem was not that the parents were superstitious for seeking God, but that they did not really listen to the God who had already told them "get wisdom... get understanding" (Proverbs... the Bible)
saddddd
i am not a religious person. but it seems to run the us. i,m sure they had to swear on a bible before they spoke. if most of the people in control in this country believe in magic creation of us and the world. then why would the try to convict him for his literal iterpitation of the bible. its sad his son died but he just believed god would heal his son. some would say that every time you go to the dr. he is playing god. if we are one nation under god then why convict someone to believe in the magic book literal. its his religeon and he has the right to believe it. george w said he made alot of his decision as pres. because he talked to god. his son did not want to go he did not feel that sick. one nation under the bible. dont forget that this guy was doing what he thought was right. it was stupid but so is anyone believes in talking snakes or any other literal interpatation of the bible
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!