Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Naturopathic Clinic Employee Says She Told Mother to Seek Medical Care

Mar 9, 2016 | 5:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE: A second witness took the stand in the trial of David and Collet Stephan, saying she advised the mother to take her son to a doctor.

The trial is centered around the death of 18-month old Ezekiel Stephan, who died of meningitis in 2012. His parents, David and Collet, face a charge of failing to provide the necessities of life

Lexie Vataman testified Wednesday that she was working at the Lethbridge Naturopathic Medical Clinic on March 13, 2012, when Collet called, saying her child might have meningitis and they needed something to boost his immune system. While Vataman acknowledged that she has no medical training, she says she suggested they take the child to a medical doctor. When Collet responded that a nurse had already seen him, Vataman went to the clinic’s doctor to ask what she would suggest. She stated that the doctor recommended an echinacea mixture, which the Stephans later picked up.

After returning home that evening, Ezekiel stopped breathing, and died several days later in a Calgary hospital.

During cross examination, Vataman admitted that her memory of that day was aided significantly by the statement she made to police after Ezekiel’s death. She acknowledged that it was a busy time for the clinic, and that four years had not helped her memory.

Before Vataman’s testimony, the trial was interrupted briefly, when the Crown noted that something had appeared online that caused them some concern. While it wasn’t revealed in court, Justice Rodney Jerke did take some time to tell the jury that they must only base their decisions on what they learned in court, and not from any other sources such as media or the internet. He also told them that they could only discuss the case among themselves and while at court.

The trial resumes Thursday morning.