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CNN Live Today

Re-Birthing Therapy Case Continues

Aired April 18, 2001 - 13:27   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: In Colorado, the cross examination continues today of a psychotherapist charged in the death of a 10- year-old client. Prosecutors say the girl suffocated during a so- called re-birthing session in which she was wrapped in blankets for 70 minutes.

Reporter Rick Sallinger of CNN affiliate KCNC has our report.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICK SALLINGER, KCNC-TV REPORTER (voice-over): Connell Watkins has maintained her composure under the pressure of a harsh cross examination. Prosecutor Steve Jensen asking, "Did you subject Candace Newmaker to verbal abuse?" "No," the reply.

The prosecutor then read a list of statements he said were made by Watkins during the taped therapy sessions: "It must be hell living with you," "Your original mother didn't even love you," "You act stupid," "You always screw it up," and more.

Watkins did not deny making the statements but challenged the context.

Earlier, her lawyer took her step-by-step through the re-birthing session. The jurors once again watched Candace scream and yell that she couldn't breathe. Defense attorney Craig Truman repeatedly stopped the tape and asked, "At this point, do you have any reason to believe Candace is in physical danger?" The reply was always no.

(on camera): It was clearly a risk for the defense to allow Connell Watkins to take the witness stand. The jury will decide whether that risk paid off.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WATERS: Colorado Governor Bill Owens hopes a new law will prevent similar tragedies. He signed a measure yesterday that outlaws the type of therapy blamed for the death of Candace Newmaker. It is called "Candace's Law," and it could put mental-health professionals behind bars for six months, if they use any type of therapy that involves physical restraint or blocks a client's breathing.

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