Oregon City, USA - An Oregon City couple who prayed for their ailing prematurely born son rather than seeking medical care has been found guilty of felony manslaughter.
A Clackamas County jury was unanimous in its verdict Thursday of second degree manslaughter against Dale and Shannon Hickman, both 26. The Hickmans are members of the Followers of Christ Church.
Prosecutors claimed Shannon Hickman never sought prenatal care and the couple never considered taking the premature baby to the hospital. The infant, named David, died within nine hours of birth when he had trouble breathing.
The Hickman's attorney claimed religious persecution and said there was no evidence medical care would have saved the baby.
The infant was born with a bacterial infection and underdeveloped lungs.