Philly couple to stand trial in son's prayer death

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Northeast Philadelphia couple accused of praying for their sick 2-year-old rather than taking him to a doctor have been ordered to stand trial in the boy’s death.

Authorities say Herbert and Catherine Schaible are members of a church that favors prayer over medical care. Police say the couple said they prayed for their son Kent for 10 days before he died of bacterial pneumonia on Jan. 24.

Municipal Judge Patrick Dugan on Wednesday called them loving parents who appear to be misguided. He ordered them to stand trial on charges including involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.

Attorneys for the couple argued that their beliefs did not cause their son’s death. They said the boy’s symptoms were never different from those of a bad cold or flu.

The couple are members of First Century Gospel Church. They are free on $150,000 bail.