Couple Plead Not Guilty in Connection With Son’s Death
The Bellews are not “good people” - they are fanatics who put their luddite cult faith above their child’s welfare, killing him through knowing neglect. Having the church elders over to pray and anoint Austin as he laid dying demonstrates that they knew something very serious was wrong. Pretending that a child in pain and delusion from infection and fever could make a choice as to his own treatment is also a non argument as far as defense.
A Creswell couple charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of their teen pleaded not guilty in court Monday.
Lane County sheriff’s deputies arrested Brandi and Russell Bellew after their son Austin Sprout died from a condition doctors say could have been treated.
Brandi Bellew was visibly upset in court Monday. She looked out at a number of family members who came to see her enter the not guilty plea.
Some close to the couple says their beliefs are getting a bad wrap and the couple should have never been arrested.
Family members and friends of the Bellews filled the Lane County Jail to see their loved ones for the first time since they were arrested in connection with the death of 16-year-old Austin Sprout.Some expressed their outrage.
“The Bellews are good people and it would take some time to explain our faith, but we have freedom of religion here in the US. Supposedly this law is against that,” said Lonnie Ham, who attended church with the Bellews.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office says Austin died of a medical condition that could have been treated.