Madeline Neumann
The parents are guilty of causing the death of Madeline Neumann. The death was caused by recklessness on the side of the parents. The 11-year-old child was suffering from diabetes and the parents could not seek medical assistance. The girl had experienced several days or weeks of deteriorating health condition caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, which is readily treatable. The parents believed that the worsening condition was spiritual warfare between Jesus and evil forces. This made them believe that resisting worldly medicine would save her. The child died of neglect and child abuse by her parents. Every child is granted access to medical care by the constitution. The state law exempts such parents from prosecution, but the federal constitution can be applied. Denying a child medical care on religious grounds should be considered as a breach of the law. The homicide statute in the constitution protects children from neglect and abuse based on religious beliefs (Gunn, 2008).
The parents also gave contradicting evidence from the information given by Ariel Neff. According to Neff, the child was ill for several days and had gone into a coma. However, the father insisted that she was not sick over the last couple of days. Later on, the father admitted that the child was weak and tired for about two weeks. The mother confessed that the child drank huge amounts of water and urinated frequently. When the detectives visited the home, they found the child unconscious, but the parents insisted she was sleeping. When the Wormgoors went to pray with the Neumann family, they found the child unconscious and the mother said the symptoms had lasted for about three weeks. Madeline’s grandmother also confirmed that the child could not walk or talk for three to four days. The contradicting pieces of evidence can prove that the parents are guilty of child neglect and abuse (Gunn, 2008).
Prosecutors in the case claimed that Kara was killed by recklessness on the side of her parents. They ignored the symptoms until she became too weak to eat, walk, or talk. The prosecution argued that the parents had a legal duty to seek medical assistance on behalf of the child, but they decided to rely solely on prayers. The presiding judge, Howard, sentenced the Neumanns to 10 years’ probation and one month jail term for six years. The ruling was made on October 6, 2009. The jail sentence was suspended until the accused submitted their appeal. The prosecutors had asked for a three-year suspended prison term and 10 year probation. The defendant had sought for four years’ probation. The parents would allow the remaining two children to undergo examination by a public nurse and take them to a doctor in case of serious injuries. However, the Neumanns were not apologetic for causing the death of Kara and remained adamant that God was testing their faith (Associated press, 2009). They claimed they were guilty of seeking heavenly intervention and obeying the law of God. In April 2011, a judge denied the Neumann appeal for new trials. Leilani claimed that they were improperly represented in the initial trials and wanted the court of appeal to review their sentences. In July 2012, the Supreme Court agreed to hear their appeals regarding their jail terms. The Neumanns argue that the statute that allows parent to use faith healing does not apply to homicide cases.
References
Associated press. (2009). Parents given jail terms for relying on prayers to save dying daughter.
From http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/07/couple-sentenced-daughter-prayer-death. [Accessed on 15 October, 2012].
Gunn, E. (2008). Death by Prayer. From
http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=23430. [Accessed on 15 October, 2012].
