State v. Norman

Shields, A.C.J.

Bobbie Dan Norman was convicted of first degree manslaughter for his refusal to provide medical care for his son, Aaron, which resulted in Aaron's death. Mr. Norman appeals, contending: (1) his actions were protected under the freedom of religion clause in the Washington State Constitution; (2) the court erred in its instructions to the jury; and (3) he received ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm.

Mr. Norman and his wife, Judy, were members of a religious group known as the "No-Name Fellowship". The leaders of the group, known as "elders", were primarily Doug Kleber,…