Name: Terrance Cottrell, Jr.
Died: Aug. 25, 2003.
Age at death: 8.
Cause of death: Positional asphyxia.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Disability: Autism.
Details:
Terrance’s mother took him to church for an exorcism, hoping to cure his autism. The boy was pinned to the ground by several adults, and died of suffocation while his mother watched.
Case status:
Patricia Cooper (Mother); not charged.
Ray Hemphill (Pastor); convicted of child abuse; sentenced to 2-and-a-half years.
Source:
Autism Memorial: Terrance Cottrell Jr.
Hemphill Sentenced Over Boy’s “Exorcism” Death
Minister Charged In Exorcism Death
Faith Healing Death
Exorcism Death Sparks Debate