Boy's Death at Church Ruled a Homicide

[Az]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3069943,00.html

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An autistic 8-year-old boy died in a homicide by suffocation during a prayer service in which church members wrapped the boy in sheets as they tried to exorcise evil spirits, the medical examiner's office said Monday.

Terrance Cottrell Jr. died because his chest was somehow restricted and could not expand, according to a statement issued by the office of the Milwaukee County coroner.

``Air was not able to get in or out,'' said Eileen Weller, the office's administrative manager.

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It was after more than an hour of prayer that a parishioner noticed the boy was no longer moving and called emergency workers, Hemphill said. The boy's grandmother said force was used, an allegation disputed by church members.

``We were asking God to take this spirit that was tormenting this little boy to death,'' Hemphill said. ``We were praying that hard, but not to kill.''

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