2/2/17
by News Department on 02/02/17Pair charged in child's death...
A Pennsylvania couple who told police their faith forbids any kind of medical treatment, were charged Wednesday in the pneumonia death of their 2-year-old daughter, becoming the latest members of their sect to be prosecuted for failing to take a dying child to a doctor.
According to a police affidavit, Jonathan and Grace Foster, of Upper Tulpehocken Township, attributed the Nov. 8 death of their daughter, Ella Grace Foster, to "God's will."
The parents told investigators they belong to the Faith Tabernacle church in Mechanicsburg, and that "as part of their faith they do not believe in any medical treatment."
A forensic pathologist told investigators Ella would have had a 95 percent chance of surviving if she had been given a routine course of antibiotics.
The pair was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment and released on unsecured bail.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams said Pennsylvania case law does not recognize a religious exception to a parents' duty to provide appropriate medical care and warned that other members of the congregation would face prosecution if they fail to care for their sick children.
