
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 12, 1993                   TAG: 9308120132
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BOSTON                                LENGTH: Short

CONVICTION IN SON'S DEATH OVERTURNED

The Massachusetts highest court on Wednesday overturned the manslaughter conviction of a Christian Science couple whose son died after they relied on spiritual rather than medical healing.

But the court didn't rule out all prosecutions of parents who rely on spiritual healing. It said they can be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter if they are found to be "wanton and reckless."

David and Ginger Twitchell were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years' probation in the death of their 2-year-old son, Robyn, who died in 1986 from a bowel obstruction.

In a 6-1 decision, the state Supreme Judicial Court overturned the verdict on a narrow point of law.

by CNB