Hermanson v. State

604 So.2d 775 (1992)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Amy was the daughter of H and W. They were members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. They were charged with and convicted of third-degree murder for the death of Amy in that they did not treat her juvenile diabetes. At trial, it was determined that Amy's death could have been prevented, but H and W's religion believed in healing by spiritual means and they relied upon the spiritual means to cure their child. The child was put into the hands of the church and before the court or Child Services could intervene, the child died from her treatable disease. Even the Scientist nurse called upon to care for the child called an ambulance when things got worse. H and W defended their actions based on their faith. H and W were convicted by the jury in 1.5 hours of deliberation. They appealed.