The appeals are all done for a Weston couple found guilty of second-degree reckless homicide for relying on prayer instead of medical attention for their daughter. Dale and Leilani Neumann appealed their conviction all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which decided December 4th that it would not take the case, affirming the decision of the lower courts. The case already went before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which upheld the homicide convictions in July of this year.
Dale and Leilani Neumann were convicted of second-degree reckless homicide in 2009 for the death of their 11-year-old daughter Madeline Kara Neumann, who died on Easter Sunday 2008 from complications with her undiagnosed diabetes. The Weston couple had chosen to pray, rather than seek medical attention, as their daughter became too weak to speak, drink, or even walk. They were charged and convicted, despite arguing that a state law that protects faith healing should have applied to the case. The Neumanns claimed that they believed Kara’s illness had spiritual causes and that prayer would allow God to heal her.
Attorney’s met Tuesday to discuss the Neumann’s options. The defense wants no jail time, while the prosecution wants the couple to at least serve the sentence they received from now-retired judge Vincent Howard. The judge ordered the Neumanns to serve a month in jail each year, for six years, plus spend ten years on probation. Judge Howard stayed the jail time until the appeals process could be completed.
WSAU