Judge allows reckless homicide charges in faith healing death of Madeline Neumann

Judge allows charges in prayer death case

A judge today ruled the reckless homicide charges stand against parents accused of praying instead of seeking a doctor’s care as their 11-year-old daughter died.

Marathon County Circuit Judge Vincent Howard made his ruling today.

The decision is expected to be appealed.

Dale and Leilani Neumann have pleaded not guilty to second-degree reckless homicide. Their attorneys wanted the charges dismissed on constitutional grounds.
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At the heart of the dispute is two Wisconsin laws. One says it is not child abuse to treat illness through prayer alone. The second is a homicide law that makes no exception for prayer.

See Also

• Read the judge’s decision
• All articles about this case
• Research resources on faith healing