British Pastor Charged with Manslaughter After Baptism Drowning
Cheryl Bartley, a 48-year-old British pastor, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith. The incident occurred on October 8, 2023, in Birmingham during a baptism ceremony held by her organization, Life Changing Ministries. The service took place in a small kiddie pool located in a backyard and was livestreamed on Facebook. Prosecutors allege that Bartley's actions constituted gross negligence leading to Smith's drowning. She is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14 to face these charges. This case highlights legal consequences surrounding religious practices involving water immersion.
Wire timeline
British Pastor Charged with Manslaughter After Baptism Drowning
Cheryl Bartley, a 48-year-old British pastor, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith. The incident occurred on October 8, 2023, in Birmingham during a baptism ceremony held by her organization, Life Changing Ministries. The service took place in a small kiddie pool located in a backyard and was livestreamed on Facebook. Prosecutors allege that Bartley's actions constituted gross negligence leading to Smith's drowning. She is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14 to face these charges. This case highlights legal consequences surrounding religious practices involving water immersion.
AP News