David Stephan and his wife Collet had been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life after their 19-month-old son Ezekiel died in March of 2012. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By The Canadian Press (With files from Shaun Penner)

Stephan Verdict

David and Collet Stephan found not guilty in meningitis death of infant son

Sep 19, 2019 | 2:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – An Alberta couple who treated their son with herbal remedies rather than seek medical attention have been found not guilty in the boy’s death.

David and Collet Stephan were charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life to 19-month-old Ezekiel, who died in March of 2012, while the couple was living south of Lethbridge.

The couple now resides in the Grande Prairie area.

The official cause of death was bacterial meningitis, but a pathologist called by the defence said the child died from a lack of oxygen to the brain when he was in an ambulance.

Justice Terry Clackson spoke to the court in Lethbridge, Alta., for only four minutes before releasing his written decision.

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Supporters in the courtroom cheered and Collet Stephan cried as she hugged her husband.

It was the second trial for the Stephans, who were found guilty by a jury in 2016.

The Supreme Court of Canada set aside the conviction and ordered a new trial.