An Oregon City couple has been convicted of second degree manslaughter in the death of their newborn son. Dale and Shannon Hickman could face a prison term.
Oregon’s mandatory minimum sentencing law, known as Measure 11, could determine Dale and Shannon Hickman's fate.
Under the law, a conviction on second degree manslaughter charges puts them in line for a sentence of six years and three months. But the victim in the case was the Hickman's newborn son, David.
And the minimum sentence law carries an exemption that might also apply. When the victim is a sick child treated only by spiritual means, the judge may choose to reduce that sentence if certain conditions are present.
Prosecutors convinced the jury that the Hickmans failed to seek medical treatment that could have saved the boy. He was born about two months prematurely, and died at home after nine hours.
The jury voted unanimously to convict.
Judge Robert Herndon set sentencing for October 31st. Until then, the judge has allowed the Hickmans their freedom.
