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Self-Help Author Convicted in Sweat Lodge Deaths

James Arthur Ray Guilty of Negligent Homicide, Cleared of Manslaughter

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2011 6:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – A self-help author has been convicted of negligent homicide in the deaths of three people who attended one of his sweat lodge seminars. Jurors, however, acquitted James Arthur Ray of more serious manslaughter charges in the 2009 deaths in Arizona, reports CNN. The victims died in what Ray characterized as a spiritual cleansing ceremony, and another 15 people fell ill.

Prosecutors used Ray's own words against him, playing a recording of him warning participants that the sweat lodge would be "hellacious," notes AP. It would feel like they were dying, but they had to battle through it to become a true "spiritual warrior," he said in the recording. "You will have to get a point to where you surrender and it's OK to die." It's not clear yet how much jail time the best-selling author might face. Another phase of the trial resumes June 28.

This undated photo provided by the Neuman family shows Liz Neuman, who died at the sweat lodge.
This undated photo provided by the Neuman family shows Liz Neuman, who died at the sweat lodge.   (AP Photo/Neuman family photo)
James Arthur Ray, left, and his defense attorney, Luis Li, leave Yavapai County Superior Court on a lunch break Wednesday.
James Arthur Ray, left, and his defense attorney, Luis Li, leave Yavapai County Superior Court on a lunch break Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
James Arthur Ray, left, and his attorney, Thomas Kelly, right, stand in the courtroom in the Yavapai County Courthouse in Camp Verde, Ariz.
James Arthur Ray, left, and his attorney, Thomas Kelly, right, stand in the courtroom in the Yavapai County Courthouse in Camp Verde, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Tom Tingle, Pool)
James Arthur Ray in court.
James Arthur Ray in court.   (AP Photo/Tom Tingle, Pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
JoeQ
Jun 22, 2011 7:28 PM CDT
This guy is a real piece of work: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Arthur_Ray
DontLikeYou
Jun 22, 2011 7:03 PM CDT
Prosecutors used Ray's own words against him, playing a recording of him warning participants that the sweat lodge would be "hellacious," notes AP. It would feel like they were dying, but they had to battle through it to become a true "spiritual warrior," he said in the recording. "You will have to get a point to where you surrender and it's OK to die." So effing what.  That kind of talk goes on in gymnasiums daily.
Scaramouche
Jun 22, 2011 6:38 PM CDT
Well, he'll be able to put his self-help theories to good practice in prison. He'll have plenty of clients.

 
self-help • James Arthur Ray • sweat lodge

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