PORTLAND, Ore. -- The parents of a baby girl who died because she didn't receive medical treatment in favor of faith healing took a plea deal on Monday.
Travis and Sarah Mitchell both pleaded guilty to criminal negligent homicide and criminal mistreatment, according to John Foote, District Attorney for Clackamas County. The couple will spend 6 years and 8 months in prison.
The Michells' daughter, Ginnifer, developed breathing complications after her birth in Oregon City on March 5, 2017. She died a few hours later. A twin girl, Evelyn, survived.
The babies were born prematurely, at about 32 weeks. Ginnifer weighted 3 pounds 16 ounces and was 16 inches long, according to Clackamas County Deputy Medical Examiner Eric Tonsfeldt.
An autopsy of Ginnifer showed that her lungs were not developed enough to work on their own. X-rays taken during the autopsy showed the lungs had collapsed.
About 60 people, including family members and church members, were at the home for the birth, Tonsfeldt said. No one in the home called 911.
The Mitchells were members of the Followers of Christ Church. Followers of Christ Church members believe in using prayer and oil over medical care.
As part of the plea deal, the Mitchells signed written statements that read: “We should have sought medical care for our children and everyone in the church should always seek adequate medical care for our children.” A church patriarch named Walter White also signed a similar statement, Foote said.
Under Idaho law, parents who cite religious reasons for not seeking medical help for their child can not be prosecuted, even if their child's death was preventable with medical intervention. Despite numerous attempts to repeal the faith-healing exemption, the Idaho Legislature has declined to make any changes.