British Pastor Charged in Baptism Drowning Death

A British pastor has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the drowning of a 61-year-old man during a backyard baptism ceremony in Birmingham last year.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces the charge related to the death of Robert Smith on October 8, 2023, at a private address on Slade Road in the Erdington suburb. Prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service announced the charge on Wednesday, stating there is sufficient evidence and public interest to proceed. Bartley, who led the ceremony as pastor of Life Changing Ministries, is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on May 14.

The incident occurred during an outdoor baptism held in a small inflatable pool in the property's garden. The event was livestreamed on the ministry's Facebook page but was abruptly cut short, with the video later removed. Smith, from Brixton in south London, suffered a medical emergency shortly after 1:30 p.m., prompting calls to emergency services.

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances, a paramedic officer, and a critical care car from Midlands Air Ambulance to the scene. Responders provided advanced life support to Smith, but he was pronounced...