People v. Burroughs

Facts

The Defendant was a “healer.” The victim, Lee Swatsenbarg, had been diagnosed with terminal leukemia. The victim had sought treatment from traditional sources and through Bible study. Then, on the advice of a mutual acquaintance, the victim sought treatment from the Defendant. The Defendant recommended consuming “lemonade,” exposure to colored lights, and vigorous massage by the Defendant. The Defendant represented that he had treated thousands of people, including physicians. The Defendant suggested that the victim read his book, which he did. Thereafter, the victim began treatment by the Defendant. During the 30-day treatment, the victim was advised not to have contact with his physician. Rather than improving, the victim began a rapid deterioration within two weeks. He developed a fever and became weak. The Defendant stated that all was going as planned and convinced the victim to postpone a bone marrow test urged by his doctor. During the following week, the victim became increasingly ill. He experienced severe pain and vomiting. The Defendant administered “deep” abdominal massages on two successive days and told the Defendant he would recover soon. After three and a half weeks of treatment, the victim and his wife spent the night at the Defendant’s house where the victim died of a massive hemorrhage of the mesentery in the abdomen. The evidence strongly suggested that the hemorrhage was caused by the massages.