Police Investigate Baby's Death

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. -- Did the religious beliefs of a Morgan County couple prevent them from seeking medical care that could have saved the life of their premature baby? Martinsville police are trying to find the answer.

Six-day-old Sarah Leeman was born two months premature. Her parents are members of the General Assembly and Church of the First Born and do not believe in the widespread use of modern medicine.

So the child was born at home and kept there. That's where she died.

At 2 pounds 11 ounces, the premature infant's body was about the size of two cupped hands. Police said she stopped breathing early Saturday morning.

"They were trying to preserve their child's life is why the father told me he called 911 is to get it medical attention," Martinsville police Capt. Jeffrey Buskirk said.

By the time medics arrived at the family's Martinsville home, it was too late. The baby was dead. Detectives are trying to determine if having the preemie hospitalized would have made a difference.

"The one thing that the family kept stressing over and over was that if they thought the child was in distress or needed medical attention, they would have called or taken it to a hospital," Buskirk said.

Family members didn't answer the door when RTV6's Jeremy Brilliant stopped by Monday afternoon. One neighbor said the value of life should outweigh a belief.

"To me it's kinda like murder in a way because God created that child too. So you can't really say religion has much to do with it if you believe in God," Sherry Rose said.

General pediatrician Dr. Karen Wheeler said premature babies typically require hospitalization and constant monitoring for at least a few days. In most cases the end result is positive.

"32-week gestational age babies can turn out neurologically normal to not be able to be distinguished from their peers at kindergarten," Wheeler said.

"I can't say it is criminal. I wouldn't at this point. That won't be determined until we get all the facts and see whether or not this is an unfortunate incident or if it is a neglectful situation," Buskirk said.

The Morgan County prosecutor will decide if criminal charges should be filed against the couple.

Last month, parents in Johnson County were convicted of reckless homicide after their ailing newborn died at home.

They did not seek medical attention. They are also members of General Assembly and Church of the First Born.