Jeromie and Jennifer Clark's trial for son's death delayed as they fire lawyer
Jeromie Clark has been given two weeks to find a new lawyer
A Calgary father accused of causing the death of his child has fired his lawyer, delaying the case.
Jeromie Clark and his wife Jennifer face charges of failing to provide the necessities of life and criminal negligence causing death after their 14-month-old, John Clark, died in 2013.
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At the time of the couple's arrest, police said the family — who claim to be Seventh-day Adventists — followed a strict diet based on an extreme interpretation of the religion.
A date for their trial was supposed to be set Friday, but Jeromie Clark was given two weeks to find a new lawyer as his current counsel cited "retainer issues" as the reason for getting off the record.
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Police began investigating after John Clark was brought to the hospital by his parents on Nov. 28, 2013. He was treated but died the following day.
The medical examiner found the cause of death to be a staph infection complicated by malnutrition.
John was born at home and had never been to a doctor.
Police said it appeared the parents took steps to conceal their son's condition from other family members.