Oregon Public Broadcasting

After a two-week trial and two days of deliberations, a jury convicted an Oregon City couple of criminally negligent homicide, in the death of their son.

Jeff and Marci Beagley testified that they didn’t bring their son Neil to a doctor, because they didn’t think he was that sick.

Prosecutors argued they ignored warning signs, and that their belief in faith-healing prevented them from seeing a doctor. Rob Manning reports.

The Beagleys’ relatives and fellow members of the Followers of Christ church waited anxiously in a small corner courtroom Wednesday afternoon, as Judge Steven Maurer looked at the verdict forms jurors had submitted.

Judge Maurer read the verdict first for Jeff Beagley.

Steven Maurer: “We the jury being duly empaneled and sworn in the above entitled court and case, find the defendant guilty of the charge of criminally negligent homicide as alleged in the indictment.”

Maurer read a guilty verdict for Marci Beagley, too. Defense attorneys had Judge Maurer ask each juror in turn, if they voted “guilty.” As he did, Mrs. Beagley softly cried.

Steven Maurer: “Juror number one?” “Yes.”

“Juror number two?” “Yes.”

“Juror number three?” “Yes, your honor.”

“Juror number four?” “Yes, your honor.”

Ten jurors voted guilty – the minimum needed for a conviction. One man and one woman did not. The Beagleys’ life in court isn’t over. The debate over sentencing began minutes after the judge read the verdict.

Prosecutor Greg Horner went first.

Greg Horner: “They have no longer the presumption of innocence. They’re responsible for the death of their child. The state will be asking for jail time – exactly what we don’t know, but I would ask that they be taken into custody at this time.” 

Jeff Beagley’s attorney, Wayne Mackeson, said that the couple should be allowed to go home, until sentencing. 

Wayne Mackeson: “There’s been no issue concerning meeting court responsibilities, and appearing for all appearances in this case.”

Steven Maurer: “OK, and Mr. Lindsey, with regard to Mrs. Beagley?”

Steve Lindsey: “Judge, my request is the same.”

The judge ultimately agreed with Mackeson and Steve Lindsey and let the Beagleys go home. They’ve had security posted at their house – and that will continue.

The Beagleys dodged reporters waiting for them on the courthouse steps, but defense attorney, Wayne Mackeson says the Beagleys’ legal fight may not be over.

First there’s sentencing in two weeks.

Wayne Mackeson: “I believe that the court has an option for probation, and whether or not the judge agrees with that, we’ll see.

Then, there could be an appeal. Mackeson says that could turn on jury instructions the judge gave last Friday.

Wayne Mackeson: “I disagree with some of the rulings made by the court, and that’s why we have an appellate court, and I’d like to pursue those options on their behalf. At this point, they’re just exhausted, as you might imagine and so I’ll discuss those options with them, and see what they want to do.”

Jurors declined – through Judge Maurer - to make any comments to the media. He says it was an emotionally difficult experience for all of them. That was evident in the tearful expressions on at least a few of their faces, as the judge read the guilty verdicts.