Parents in prayer death get probation, some jail

[October 07, 2009]  WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) -- A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin couple to 10 years probation and 30 days a year in jail for the next six years for praying instead of seeking medical care for their dying 11-year-old daughter.

Marathon County Circuit Judge Vincent Howard sentenced Dale and Leilani Neumann on Tuesday. The jail terms were stayed pending appeals by the couple of their convictions for second-degree reckless homicide in March 2008 death of their daughter, Madeline Neumann.

The girl died of complications from undiagnosed diabetes on the floor of the family's home while people around her prayed. Someone called 911 after she stopped breathing.

Prosecutors argued the parents should have rushed the girl to a hospital because she couldn't walk, talk, eat or drink.

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin couple convicted of reckless homicide for praying instead of seeking medical care for their dying 11-year-old daughter are set to be sentenced.

Dale and Leilani Neumann face up to 25 years in prison each when sentenced Tuesday. They were convicted at separate trials of second-degree reckless homicide in Madeline Neumann's March 2003 death from undiagnosed diabetes.

Prosecutors contended the parents should have rushed the girl to a hospital because she couldn't walk, talk, eat or drink. Madeline died on the floor of the family's rural home as people surrounded her and prayed. Someone called 911 when she stopped breathing.

The Neumanns say they believe all healing comes from God. Their attorneys have said the convictions will be appealed.

[Associated Press]

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