James Ray Appears In Court As Trial Date is Set
 March 18, 2010 – The manslaughter case against motivational guru James Arthur Ray will start on August 31. The announcement was made in Judge Warren Darrow's Camp Verde courtroom on Tuesday.
Ray has been charged with three counts of Manslaughter resulting from the Sedona sweat lodge tragedy. Kirby Brown, 38, of Westtown, N.Y.; James Shore, 40, of Milwaukee; and Liz Neuman, 49, of Prior Lake, Minn died
Brown and Shore died of heat stroke shortly after emergency medical technicians arrived on the scene, the Arizona Republic reported. Neuman's death a few days later was caused by "multisystem organ failure due to hyperthermia due to prolonged sweat lodge exposure," the autopsy, released Tuesday, concluded.
The judge also said the trial is expected to last (at least) 56 days. Ray attended the proceedings. – by John Beaudin
|
Employees of Sweat Lodge Leader Granted Immunity
 February 8, 2010 – Documents released Friday on the manslaughter case against motivational speaker James Arthur Ray has uncovered testimony that the well known author told his staff that attendees could get uncomfortable.
Ray is charged with three counts of manslaughter in connection with the 'Spiritual Warrior' retreat near Sedona in October.
Megan and Josh Fredrickson who participated in the sweat lodge ceremony told authorities that Ray warned them that vomiting and passing out were to be expected. The couple spoke under the condition that nothing they said would be used against them.
The pair did say that attendees were provided water during the ceremony but few staff members had formal training in dealing with health problems brought on by such a sweat.
Both have worked for Ray since 2005.
Ray’s attorney’s say that the whole thing was a tragic accident, not a criminal act.
Megan Fredrickson claims she was not alarmed when people vomited and became unresponsive since Ray had warned them it was expected. "James is my boss, she said, “So I listened to what he says and I listened to what he told participants."
"Ultimately the plan is we never really had a plan for the extent of what happened."
His attorneys have said the deaths were a tragic accident, not a criminal act. – by Libby Conroy
|
James Arthur Ray Arrested in Arizona
February 3, 2010 – Self-help author James Arthur Ray has been arrested today and charged with three counts of manslaughter in connection with the 'Spiritual Warrior' retreat near Sedona in October.
Three people died in October while attending Ray’s sweat lodge ceremony. He was taken into custody in Prescott, Ariz and bond has been set at $5 million.
The almost 10 thousand per person price tag for the 5-day retreat also resulted in 18 others attendees suffering burns, dehydration, respiratory arrest or kidney failure.
Ray's attorney, Luis Li, delivered the following statement:
"This was a terrible accident -- but it was an accident, not a criminal act, James Ray cooperated at every step of the way, providing information and witnesses to the authorities showing that no one could have foreseen this accident."
According to Ray the sweat process was a way for his followers to gain more strength by overcoming physical discomfort.
Some reports have said Ray did not seem concerned when a few attendees seem to be suffering discomfort. Ray has welcomed the inquiry saying but says the whole affair was an accident. – by Libby Conroy
|
