Ore. pretrial hearing begins in ill girl’s death

OREGON CITY, Ore. — An Oregon couple accused of praying over their ill 15-month-old daughter rather than seeking medical treatment are in court to present arguments that they shouldn’t face trial on manslaughter charges in her death.

A judge will consider the motions Monday in a pretrial hearing for Carl and Raylene Worthington. They belong to the Followers of Christ Church, whose members have a history of treating gravely ill children only with prayer.

Their daughter, Ava, died of pneumonia in March 2008. A state medical examiner has said Ava could have been treated with antibiotics.

The trial is scheduled to start June 23.