Birmingham Pastor Charged with Manslaughter in 2023 Baptism Drowning

Cheryl Bartley, 48, a pastor with Life Changing Ministries in Birmingham, faces one count of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Robert Smith, 61, who drowned during a baptism on October 8, 2023. The ceremony took place at a private property on Slade Road in Erdington. m.

and provided advanced life support, but Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith, a resident of Brixton in south London, had traveled to Birmingham specifically for the baptism after being a member of the ministry for four years. He lived with Parkinson's disease.

The baptism occurred in a small pool in the garden of the property, and the event was broadcast live on the church's Facebook page before the stream was interrupted and removed.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges on Wednesday, determining that sufficient evidence exists to proceed and that prosecution is in the public interest.

Bartley, who resides in Erdington, was initially detained on suspicion of manslaughter and released on bail while West Midlands Police conducted their investigation. She is scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14. A post-mortem examination was conducted as part of the police enquiries.

Prosecutors worked closely with West Midlands Police on the case.

“We have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its investigation.”

the incident, Life Changing Ministries confirmed on social media that a member had passed away. The church shared information about Smith's Parkinson's disease on its Facebook page after his death. No additional details on the circumstances leading to the drowning were provided in the sources.

The case emphasizes the right to a fair trial, with proceedings now active against Bartley. West Midlands Ambulance Service stated that despite their efforts, nothing more could be done to save Smith.