Verdict expected in trial for David and Collet Stephan

CALGARY – A verdict will be handed down Thursday in a major case that could have implications across the country.

David and Collet Stephan are accused of failing to provide the necessaries of life when their son Ezekiel died in 2012.

The couple thought their son had croup and treated him with naturopathic medicine instead of taking him to the hospital. A coroner blamed bacterial meningitis as the cause of death.

The Stephans were found guilty by a jury three years ago but the Supreme Court ordered a new trial which began in June.

READ MORE: Alberta couple charged in toddler’s death to learn fate

Jonathan Muma with CityNews will be in the courtroom when the verdict is given.

“The argument that Stephan has used here, as he represents himself, is that it’s a failure of the medical professionals to properly take care of their son. They say there was a piece of equipment in these ambulances that wasn’t there that could have saved him. They say there’s misrepresentation of the facts, a cover-up.”

Muma said the decision could impact holistic medicine across Canada.

Regardless of what verdict is handed down, Stephan said he’s grateful to have the trial over with.

“After three months of trial, after six-and-a-half years of prosecution and seven-and-a-half years of this, it’s great to see, hopefully, the light at the end of the tunnel”

The judge’s decision is expected after 2 p.m.