7. Fake Healer

(10%)
Eddie brought his son Randy to a local faithhealer known as “Mother Himala.” He was diagnosed by the faithhealer as being possessed by an evil spirit. Eddie thereupon authorized the conduct of a “treatment” calculated to drive the “spirit” from the boy’s body. Unfortunately, the procedure conducted resulted in the boy’s death.

The faithhealer and three others who were part of the healing ritual were charged with murder and convicted by the lower court. If you were the appellate court Justice, would you sustain the conviction upon appeal? Explain your answer.