(CBS3 PHILADELPHIA) A Northeast Philadelphia couple has been sentenced to probation in the faith-based death of their two-year-old son in 2009. They chose prayer rather than medicine when their son, Kent, became ill with pneumonia.
Herbert and Catherine Schaible have been sentenced to ten years’ probation on the manslaughter conviction (see previous story), and the judge has also ordered mandatory medical care for their remaining seven children, ranging in age from one to 15 years old.
Prosecutor Joanne Pescatore says the toddler’s death was clearly preventable.
“I think the judge clearly stated it, and pretty succinctly. She said that no matter what your religious freedom is, the welfare of your child trumps that, and it’s more important than that in the Commonwealth and the United States. Your children come before your religion,” Pescatore quoted the judge as saying.
Herbert Schaible says he and his wife will follow the judge’s orders.
