Blair and Taylor Edwards will serve 30 days in jail after being convicted in connection with the murder of their newborn son in 2023. Instead of seeking medical assistance for their dying infant, the couple turned to prayer and olive oil anointment.
The Edwards couple entered a guilty plea to first-degree criminal abuse, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting. Judge Michael Wetzel sentenced them to 30 days in jail and five years probation on Monday, September 8.
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“They hoped that within the hands of God, he would be OK,” Deputy District Attorney Russell Amos said. “The state would suggest that within the hands of God, that God gave us the intellect and intelligence to produce high end medical treatment and science. And nonetheless, they put their hopes in olive oil.”
Hayden Edwards, their newborn boy, was delivered healthy on June 24, 2023. Two days later, at roughly 6:15 a.m., Hayden stopped eating. Then his lips became blue, and he began having difficulty breathing.
Blair and Taylor Edwards, members of the Followers of Christ Church, assembled family members to pray for Hayden’s health. The two-day-old boy was even anointed with oil, with the family thinking that the rite would be enough to restore his health.
Unfortunately, the baby boy perished soon afterward. Hayden was later diagnosed with acute bilirubin encephalopathy, according to OPB. It is unclear how Hayden developed excessive amounts of bilirubin.
DA Amos concluded that if the Edwards couple had sought proper medical care for Hayden at the time, he would still be alive today.
Remorseful Parents
During their sentencing, both parents appeared regretful, stating that they had learned from their mistakes and would properly care for the rest of their children.
“The death of our beautiful and precious son Hayden has provided us a recognition that medical care for a child for preserving life is a value that we understand is important,” Blair Edwards said, as per KOIN. “Going forward, we will clearly be providing medical care for all our children.”
Following their release, the Edwards will be obliged to accompany their children to regular pediatrician appointments. Furthermore, their children must have health insurance, and if they fall ill, the Edwards must contact their probation officer.
According to KGW, prosecutors planned to pursue more serious charges, as they have in previous cases involving members of the same church. However, the medical examiner was unable to determine if medical treatment could have saved Hayden’s life.
