Parents Charged with 2nd Degree Reckless Homicide For Death Of Daughter

Facts:

• Parents: Dale Neumann, Leilani Neumann
• Dad thought: The illness was "a test of faith",
• Mother thought: It was a "spiritual attack", she "died because the devil is trying to stop Leilani from starting her own ministry"
• Father's occupation: former police officer
• Mother's age: 40
• Fathers age: 46
• Location: Weston, Wisconsin
• Daughter: Madeline Neumann
• Daughter's school: home schooled
• Death: March 23, 2008
• Illness: Undiagnoses diabetic ketoacidosis - Too little insulin
• Possible prison sentence for parents: 25 years
• Friends who asked them to take the daughter to the hospital: Althea Wormgoor,
• Grandmother: Evalani Gordon
• Metro Police Chief Dan Vergin, self appointed expert on religious beliefs, characterized the parents as religious "isolationists"

Quotes:

• "It is very surprising, shocking that she wasn't allowed medical intervention," Marathon County District Attorney Jill Falstad said. "Her death could have been prevented."
• Dan Vergin, religious expert and Metro police chief: "They have gone out on their own... They have a very narrow view of Scripture and I would say not many people hold to that narrow of view."

• This reinforces my belief in natural selection. That poor child, having such fools for parents! They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!
• Religious delusion is arguably the most prevalent and potentially dangerous form of mental illness to have ever plagued humanity.
• I am continually surprised at the level of ignorance that pervades modern society. I can appreciate the necessity of religion, but the fact that a faith can out-shadow something that is scientifically proven is confusing to me.
• How do people slip through the cracks of reality and let their warped senses lead to the death of a child.
• As a parent, it is important to teach a child religion, but you would think that their health and well being would come first. This isn't the 1800's!
• I am shocked. I am also sick of hearing stories like this.
• Felonius child abuse, pure and simple... So tragic. But why did they have to be from Cali? A much more believeable story, had they been Okies...

Other related stories:

• Oregon Parents Charged With Manslaughter When Daughter Dies From Bronchial Pneumonia