Update: Sentencing in faith-healing death postponed

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) The sentencing for two parents convicted in the faith-healing death of their teenage son has been rescheduled for March 8. Jeffrey and Marci Beagley’s sentencing had been set for Feb. 18. One of the attorneys in the case is involved in an unrelated trial and the hearing was reset to because of […]

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) The sentencing for two parents convicted in the faith-healing death of their teenage son has been rescheduled for March 8.

Jeffrey and Marci Beagley’s sentencing had been set for Feb. 18. One of the attorneys in the case is involved in an unrelated trial and the hearing was reset to because of the conflict.

The Beagleys were found guilty on Feb. 2 of criminally negligent homicide in the death of their 16-year-old son, Neil. The boy died in June 2008 of complications from an undiagnosed congenital urinary blockage after his parents attempted to heal him with prayer, anointing with oil and laying on of hands.


The Oregon City couple, who belong to the Followers of Christ church that relies on faith healing and generally rejects medical treatment, are facing up to 18 months in prison although they may be eligible for probation.

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