UPDATED::Trial set for Berks couple in death of 2-year-old daughter | Reading Eagle - NEWS

UPDATE:: Parents who wouldn't take daughter to doctor spared jail time in girl's death

The parents of a 2-year-old Pennsylvania girl have been spared jail time in the pneumonia death of their daughter after vowing to seek medical care in the future for their other children.

Jonathan Foster, 35, and Grace Foster, 34, were sentenced Wednesday to five years' probation on involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment convictions in the November 2016 death of daughter Ella Grace in Upper Tulpehocken Township, about 40 miles northeast of Harrisburg.

UPDATE:: Toddler dies of pneumonia after medical care refused on religious grounds

Jonathan Foster, 35, and Grace Foster, 34, also were convicted Friday in Berks County court of child endangerment in the November 2016 death of daughter Ella Grace in Upper Tulpehocken Township, The Reading Eagle reported.

The Fosters, who remain free pending sentencing in April, attributed their daughter's death to "God's will," according to a police affidavit. They told authorities that Ella began showing symptoms of a common cold two days before she died, including lethargy and a sore throat, but her breathing eventually became labored, then rapid, and she died in her father's arms.

The defendants belong to Faith Tabernacle Congregation, which instructs members to avoid doctors and pharmaceutical drugs. Medical personnel testified that the child likely would have survived had she been given treatment.

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The trial for an Upper Tulpehocken Township couple who didn't seek medical attention for their 2-year-old daughter before she died of a treatable form of pneumonia in November 2016 is set to begin next week in Berks County Court.

Jonathan D. Foster, 35, and Grace Anne Foster, 33, are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child in the death of Ella Grace Foster.

The couple did not seek any medical care for their ailing daughter because of their religious beliefs. The Fosters belong to Faith Tabernacle Congregation, a religious sect that does not believe in any type of medical intervention, only faith healing.

Jury selection is expected to begin Monday morning before Judge. M. Theresa Johnson.

Trial set for Berks couple in death of 2-year-old daughter | Reading Eagle - NEWS