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Pa. Jury Convicts Parents In Tot's Prayer Death

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A Philadelphia couple who relied on prayer, not medicine, to cure their dying child have been convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.

Christian fundamentalists Herbert and Catherine Schaible (SHY'-bull) face more than a decade in prison for the January 2009 death of their two-year-old son Kent.

Jury foreman Vince Bertolini tells The Associated Press the panel believed they were guilty of at least gross negligence under the manslaughter statute.

The Schiables declined comment as they left the courthouse to await sentencing Feb. 2.
Assistant District Attorney Joanne Pescatore says she will seek medical supervision for the couple's other six children.

Experts say about a dozen U.S. children die in faith-healing cases each year.

(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)

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