Wis. mother found guilty in prayer death

By BETH WHEELOCK
Friday, May 22, 2009

From the Associated Press:

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - A jury in Wausau has found a mother guilty of reckless homicide of her 11-year-old daughter because she prayed instead of taking the girl for medical treatment.

Madeline Neumann died from untreated diabetes on Easter Sunday of last year.

Now her mother, 41-year-old Leilani Neumann of rural Weston has been convicted of second-degree reckless homicide in the death. The charge carries up to 25 years in prison.

No sentencing date is set. Neumann remains free on bond.

Jurors declined to talk with reporters. District Attorney Jill Falstad declined comment because Neumann's husband Dale faces trial on the same charge in July.

Defense lawyer Gene Linehan says there will be an appeal.

Neumann's stepfather, Brian Gordon of San Diego, says he's disappointed by the verdict and the jury was mistaken. He says his stepdaughter did nothing wrong in trusting in God to heal her daughter.

The courtroom was quiet and there was no outburst when the verdict was read. Leilani Neumann showed no emotion and walked out of the courtroom clutching her husband and declined comment

Her three children sat in the front row looking stunned.


Published at: http://www.GazetteXtra.com/news/2009/may/22/wis-mother-found-guilty-prayer-death/