Jury overwhelmed by medical evidence in toddler meningitis case: defence
CALGARY — A lawyer for parents convicted in the meningitis death of their toddler says the trial judge allowed the jury to be overwhelmed by medical evidence, but the Crown says the couple received a fair hearing.
The Alberta Court of Appeal heard arguments Thursday over the conviction of David and Collet Stephan in the 2012 death of their 19-month-old son Ezekiel.
They were convicted last year of failing to provide the necessaries of life to the boy, whom they treated with natural remedies such as garlic, onion and horseradish rather than taking him to a doctor.
Justice Rodney Jerke sentenced David Stephan to jail for four months and gave his wife three months of around-the-clock house arrest — allowing her only to go out for medical appointments and church. The two were released early pending the outcome of the appeal.