Parents who rejected medical care guilty

Star report


FRANKLIN, Ind. -- Dewayne and Maleta Schmidt were found guilty of reckless homicide today in the death of their infant daughter in 2003.

Jurors in Johnson Superior Court deliberated for about six hours this afternoon before reaching the verdict.

The Johnson County couple face two to eight years in prison.

Rhianna Schmidt died in August 2003 two days after she was born. According to testimony, Rhianna's delivery was difficult, and the child wasn't breathing when she was born. She eventually started to breathe on her own, but she stopped breathing on two other occasions during her first day of life. Each time, the parents turned to prayer to heal Rhianna instead of seeking medical treatment.

'I am commanded to put my faith in God in all things,' Dewayne Schmidt, 35, testified.

The Schmidt's church, General Assembly and Church of the First Born in Morgantown, does not require members to avoid medical treatment, a point the Schmidts conceded on the stand.
Testimony throughout the trial focused on the Schmidts' religious beliefs. The couple said they turn to God for guidance in every part of their lives.

'Our faith is about faith in all things in life,' Dewayne Schmidt testified.

Prosecutors tried to determine where the Schmidts draw the line, pointing out that Dewayne Schmidt wears glasses and Maleta Schmidt once had braces.

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