Therapists Guilty in `Rebirthing' Case
By JUDITH KOHLER, Associated Press Writer
GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) - Two therapists were convicted on Friday of reckless
child abuse in the death of a young girl who begged for her life while
wrapped in a flannel sheet during a rebirthing therapy session.
A jury deliberated for about five hours before returning the verdict.
As it was read, Julie Ponder, 40, stared straight ahead, closed her eyes
and fought tears. Connell Watkins, 54, showed little emotion.
They face up to 48 years in prison when sentenced.
Mary Davis, the child's biological grandmother, cried and hugged those
around her in the courtroom after hearing the verdict.
Watkins also was convicted of unlawfully practicing psychotherapy,
criminal impersonation and obtaining a signature by deception. Each count
carries a maximum 18-month sentence.
Candace Newmaker, 10, died on April 19, 2000, one day after undergoing the
therapy session at Watkins' Evergreen clinic. The coroner ruled Candace
died of asphyxiation. The defense argued other factors may have caused her
death.
``This was not child abuse,'' Ponder's lawyer, Joan Heller, told the jury.
``This was done for therapy. This was done for all the best intentions -
to try to make sure that this child got a chance.''
Candace was being treated at Watkins' Evergreen office for reactive
detachment disorder, an inability to form loving relationships because of
early trauma.
She was wrapped in a flannel sheet to simulate a womb while four adults
pushed against her with pillows. The hope was that she would emerge
``reborn'' to bond with her adoptive mother, Jeane Newmaker of Durham,
N.C.
On Tuesday, Gov. Bill Owens signed a law outlawing rebirthing therapy.
Prosecutors' key evidence was a videotape of the 70-minute session.
Candace could be heard on the tape pleading for her life, saying she could
not breathe and had vomited and defecated.
After about 50 minutes, Candace's whimpering trailed off. Several jurors
and others in the courtroom cried as the tape was played.
A forensic pathologist who reviewed autopsy results for the defense
testified Candace may have died as a result of the powerful medications
she was taking. The pathologist also said she could not rule out an
undetected heart condition or the effects of Evergreen's 7,040-foot
elevation as potential causes of death.
Craig Truman, Watkins' attorney, said the two therapists had every reason
to believe Candace could breathe during the rebirthing session. Ponder
testified she checked the girl's breathing. Both therapists said they
thought Candace's screaming protests were manipulative behavior.
``It wasn't possible to believe every word Candace Newmaker says,'' Heller
said. ``That's a part of her problem. That's a part of her diagnosis.''
The girl's adoptive mother, who was present for part of the therapy, is
awaiting trial in November on charges of criminally negligent child abuse
resulting in death.
