Couple’s trial revolves around lack of doctor
Ill toddler died after parents employed church rituals
OREGON CITY, Ore. – Lawyers for parents charged in the death of their 15-month-old daughter said Monday the couple never thought the child was dying as they and other members of their church went through rituals such as anointing her with oil and the laying on of hands.
Instead, said the lawyers for Carl and Raylene Worthington, of Oregon City, those who gathered around Ava Worthington thought what they had done worked, that the child was getting better.
The Worthingtons are members of the Followers of Christ Church, whose members shun doctors in favor of spiritual healing.
They are accused of manslaughter and criminal mistreatment in the death of their child, who didn’t get a doctor’s care. The state medical examiner said she could easily have been treated with antibiotics for her pneumonia. The trial began Monday.
The Clackamas County prosecutor said the child was not getting better in March 2008. Instead, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Greg Horner, the girl’s body was shutting down.
In opening statements, the Worthingtons’ lawyers focused on the child’s condition before her death. They said she was active, ate well and didn’t have a fever or other symptoms associated with pneumonia.
“They didn’t deny medical care to Ava,” said defense lawyer Mark Cogan. “They just didn’t think she needed it.”