Faith healing trial: Jury unable to reach verdict

By Associated Press Published: Jul 21, 2009 at 4:42 PM PST Last Updated: Jul 22, 2009 at 6:49 AM PST
Faith healing trial: Jury unable to reach verdict »Play Video
Carl Brent Worthington and Raylene Worthington listen as the prosecution gives its closing argument against them in Clackamas County Court in Oregon City, Ore. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - A jury deliberated for a fourth full day without reaching a verdict in the trial of an Oregon couple whose young daughter died after they relied on faith healing instead of taking her to a doctor.

Judge Steven Maurer sent the jury members home shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday. The judge said they would resume at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

On Monday, the jury reported it was deadlocked, but Maurer asked it to continue deliberating.

The jury is weighing the case of Raylene and Carl Brent Worthington, accused in the death of 15-month-old Ava Worthington in March 2008.

The case is the first time believers in faith healing have gone to trial since the Oregon Legislature in 1999 barred religious defenses to most abuse charges.
     
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