Faith healing trial begins Tuesday
OREGON CITY, Ore. – Two Oregon City parents accused in the faith-healing death of their teenage son are slated to be in court on Tuesday in the latest case involving members of the Followers of Christ Church.
Jeff and Marci Beagley are charged with criminally negligent homicide for the death of their 16-year-old son, Neil. The teenager died of a treatable medical condition in June of 2008.
Members of the Followers of Christ Church believe in prayer over modern medicine. Several children's deaths in recent years have prompted concern about whether the church members are being negligent in choosing prayer over a doctor's care.
Last year, church members Carl and Raylene Worthington went on trial in connection with the death of their 15-month-old daughter, Ava, who died in March of 2008 of a treatable medical condition. Both were acquitted of manslaughter but Carl Worthington was convicted of criminal mistreatment and sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years probation. He recently filed an appeal.
In December, the Beagleys asked the judge to throw out the charges against them. The request was denied.