Three sentenced over exorcism death

by Feòrag

Canada: Two men and a woman have received prison sentences for their part in a gruelling 'exorcism' which resulted in the death of a 19 year old man.

[Walter Zepeda] lost nine litres of fluid as he lay strapped with men's ties to metal chairs in the basement apartment he shared with his family in this western Ontario city. Ultimately he died of dehydration.

Zapeda was bound for seven days.

The three accused and Mr. Fabian originally tried to deceive police into believing Walter had been restrained for only three days but the lie was eventually revealed.

Despite the deception, it is obvious the trio genuinely believed that Walter was possessed, Judge Livingstone said. They only wanted to help him, wanted to save his soul, but the facts of the matter show that despite their prayer and the zealousness of their religious convictions, what they did -- and what they did not do -- caused Walter's death.

But the young man's father, Diego Zepeda-Cordera, and friend Alex Osegueda do not believe the exorcism was botched as their victim returned to Jesus. Parents sentenced for exorcism gone wrong - The Globe and Mail, 23rd May 2003.