From the ArcaMax Publishing, News & Features Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/newsheadlines/s-374100-281369
PHOENIX (UPI) -- An Arizona jury has convicted a Scottsdale man of
negligent child abuse and reckless child abuse for feeding his
children an extreme vegetarian diet.
Testimony in the trial of Blair Parker indicated that he and his wife,
Kimu, fed their children a diet that excluded meat, fish and dairy
products, and that the children were given enemas, The Arizona
Republic reported.
The couple were charged in 2005 after their 3-year-old daughter
suffered an apparent seizure. Doctors found that she weighed 13
pounds. Her 11-year-old sister was the size of a 5-year-old and her
9-year-old brother was the size of a 3-year-old.
Parker testified that his dietary knowledge came from university
studies and said he consulted with a Washington state naturopath
because he could not find a doctor he trusted who shared his religious
faith or dietary beliefs. The naturopath was unable to examine the
children, he said.
Parker said the children could not absorb nutrients but prosecutors
said Parker obsessed over the children's bowel movements and gave them
enemas that impeded nutrient absorption.
He said the children's daily regimen included prayer, study, chores
and exercise.
"My children might have been short and light in weight, but I never
considered they were unhealthy," he said.
Parker could be sentenced to as much as 16 years in prison following
Thursday's verdict, the newspaper said. His wife was convicted last
year of intentional child abuse and given a mandatory 30-year
sentence.
Prosecutors said the children have been placed in foster care and had
gained weight on vegan diets.