Parents Must Stand Trial in Infant’s Death

A Rancho Cucamonga couple were ordered Tuesday to stand trial for failing to get medical attention that could have saved the life of their 11-month-old daughter.

Richard and Agnes Wiebe were charged with involuntary manslaughter after their daughter, Julia, died of meningitis in July. The couple told authorities their religious beliefs prevented them from using modern medicine and that they instead relied on prayer. They also said they did not realize the seriousness of the child’s illness.

Both appeared in a Rancho Cucamonga courtroom Tuesday for the conclusion of a preliminary hearing in the case.

During the hearing, which lasted several days, a forensic examiner said the baby suffered through high fevers, vomiting and seizures for three days before dying on July 6. Antibiotics would have probably cured Julia Wiebe, the examiner said.

Throughout the hearing, members of the couple’s Upland church, the Church of God Restoration, filled the courtroom in a sign of support.

A judge ordered the Wiebes to return to court March 19 to enter a plea. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges at an earlier court date and have remained free on bail.