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David and Collet Stephan Guilty of Failing to Provide the Necessities of Life

Apr 26, 2016 | 3:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Less than 24-hours after beginning deliberations, the jury returned with a verdict of guilty for both David and Collet Stephan.

A large number of family members and supporters broke down in tears, as the couple was convicted on a charge of failing to provide the necessities of life for the death of their 18-month old son Ezekiel in March of 2012.

“What we hope that the public and the community takes away from this particular trial and the verdict in this trial, is that all parents are held to a minimum standard of care that all children should expect at all times,” stated Crown Prosecutor Lisa Weich following the decision.

“They definitely, definitely loved their son, but as stated in our closing arguments and even in our opening arguments, unfortunately sometimes love just isn’t enough, parents still have to follow the standard of care that is set by the criminal law,” Weich added.

The decision comes after a trial that started on March 4 and saw a two week break when it became clear much more time would be needed.

The Crown’s argument had been that the Stephans waited too long to get medical care for Ezekiel, and that by taking him to a doctor they could have saved him from bacterial meningitis.

The defence mounted an argument that Ezekiel didn’t have bacterial meningitis, but rather the less serious viral form of the illness. They placed the blame on the ambulance that was sent to help him.

Outside the courthouse, Eric Sveinson spoke to the media on behalf of the family, saying they were very disappointed by the verdict. He added that the world couldn’t expect a better family.

“Most parents, when their child has a flu or a cold, they’ll either give them symptom reductions like NyQuil or whatever, but these parents gave them vitamins and minerals and healthy supplements to help them,” stated Sveinson. “I think that’s far and beyond what any parent could be expected, because keep in mind it was simply symptoms of a cold and flu.”

He went on to say this decision will have a long term impact on Canadian families, “Parents now need to be afraid when their kid has a cough, when their kid has a cold, because you know you better bring it in the second he sniffles or the second he coughs, because if you don’t the Crown’s going to be after you.

“Health care costs are most definitely going to increase in this case and that’s a huge concern for people.”

The case has now been adjourned to June 13, at which time a date will be set for sentencing. The couple will remain out of custody during that time.

There is no minimum penalty for failing to provide the necessities of life, with the maximum set at five years in prison.