Faith-healing parents get probation

Associated Press/February 19, 1999

PHILADELPHIA -- The faith-healing parents of a hemophiliac child who died in his mother's arms from a cut toe were sentenced Thursday to 17 years' probation.

Dean and Susan Heilman, who believe in prayer rather than medicine to heal illnesses, pleaded no contest in October to charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of their son, Dean Michael.

The judge said she saw no malicious intent on the part of the parents.

The judge ordered the Heilmans to find a licensed pediatrician for their other two.