The parents of Zachary Swezey, who died three years ago from a ruptured appendix, pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of second degree murder in their son’s death.

 

The couple is being charged with criminal mistreatment in Okanogan County Superior Court after they attempted to heal their son through prayer.

 

Gregory Swezey and his wife Garnet Swezey, are members of the Church of the First Born, which believes in faith healing.

 

Zachary Swezey, who was a junior at Pateros High School, died on March 18, 2009, after falling ill two and a half days earlier.

 

The couple was released without bail and a trial was set for May 1st.