Home / Crime and Justice / Amish 'Healer' Faces Manslaughter Charges Over Infant's Death
Amish 'Healer' Faces Manslaughter Charges Over Infant's Death
22 Apr
Summary
- Man charged with involuntary manslaughter after baby's death.
- Parents sought holistic treatment for a blue-turning infant.
- Baby died from infections; could have survived with medical care.
Sam Shetler, a self-proclaimed "healer" operating the Mercy and Truth Retreat in Booneville, Missouri, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. The charges stem from the March 2025 death of a 6-month-old boy. The infant's parents brought him to Shetler, known for advising against conventional medicine, after he began "turning blue." Shetler administered a "lavender breathing treatment" but allegedly neglected proper monitoring.
Tragically, the baby was found unresponsive and pronounced dead shortly after returning home. An autopsy revealed the infant suffered from severe viral infections, including RSV and COVID-19, with pneumonia listed as the official cause of death. Medical examiners stated the child likely could have survived with standard medical intervention.
Shetler was already under investigation for unrelated sex trafficking and kidnapping charges. An employee at his retreat confirmed that Shetler discouraged the Amish community from seeking outside medical help, claiming conventional doctors were incompetent. He is currently held without bond pending further court appearances.
