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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Sweat-Lodge Deaths Seen as Homicide

Self-help expert James Arthur Ray now 'person of interest' in investigation

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(Newser) – Authorities are now treating as homicide the two deaths during a sweat-lodge ritual in Arizona last week, with the self-help guru who was in charge of the proceedings being called a “person of interest.” Investigators have found “indications” the deaths weren’t accidental, but wouldn’t explain. They searched the California offices of Oprah Winfrey-endorsed James Arthur Ray yesterday; Ray remains in California, the Republic reports.

A view of the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.
A view of the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.   (AP Photo)
The Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.
The Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Ariz.   (AP Photo)
James Arthur Ray has made multiple appearances on the
James Arthur Ray has made multiple appearances on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," his web site says.   (JamesRay.com)
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11 comments
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Reader64481089
Oct 15, 09 8:22 PM CDT
Well, looks like the cops and DA are going to try and nail Mr. Self-Help Guru for negligent homicide.... Reply
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+1
JoeQ
Oct 15, 09 9:10 PM CDT
Maybe they can sweat a confession out of him. Reply
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+7
IN RESPONSE:
njgreen
Oct 15, 09 10:57 PM CDT
Oooh, good one.
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0
gabo
Oct 15, 09 9:42 PM CDT
I wonder who will ever go to a sweat lodge for the first time now? Reply
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+1
cochiserocks
Oct 15, 09 9:57 PM CDT
"... A woman identified as Barb told the callers that a channeler at the retreat said the deceased had an out-of-body experience during the ceremony and “were having so much fun that they chose not to come back.” Wow - there's 'New Age' and then there's just plain insensitively bananas! Reply
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