Faith Healing Couple probed in 2d child’s death

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A Northeast Philadelphia couple sentenced to probation for practicing faith healing after the 2009 death of their ill toddler son are again under criminal investigation in connection with the death of their 8-month-old son Thursday.

Herbert and Catherine Schaible – members of a church that shuns medical care – were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for failing to bring their 2-year-old son to a doctor when he was sick with bacterial pneumonia. The couple had prayed over the sick child and called a funeral director when he died.

A judge ordered the Schaibles to arrange care for their seven other children by a “qualified medical practitioner.” Now, with the death of another child, the Schaibles face a court hearing next week for possibly violating their parole as well as additional criminal charges.

Tasha Jamerson, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s Office, would not discuss details of the investigation but said the terms of the Schaibles’ probation were clear.

“All of the children in their care had to have regular doctor’s appointments and visits,” she said Friday, “and if a child was sick, they were required to consult a medical practitioner and follow their recommendations and advice to the letter.”

Brandon Schaible was born last Aug. 31. It is unclear if the child had medical problems.

Around 8 p.m. Thursday, the couple called the John F. Fluehr & Sons funeral home on Cottman Avenue and said the infant had died, according to a police report.

The funeral home notified the Medical Examiner’s Office, which informed police. Paramedics who responded to the Rhawn Street house pronounced the child dead at 8:35. Investigators processed the house as a crime scene, according to the report
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