LETHBRIDGE, Alta. -- Closing arguments have begun in the Alberta trial of a couple charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life to their toddler son.
David and Collet Stephan were charged after their 19-month-old son Ezekiel died of bacterial meningitis in March 2012.
They didn't seek medical attention until he stopped breathing, and had treated him with natural ingredients including hot peppers, garlic, onions and horseradish.
Defence lawyer Shawn Buckley has told the jury the Crown has to "prove every element of the offence" and his clients have to be presumed to be innocent.
The prosecution is to deliver its final argument on Saturday.
The case is expected to go to the jury early next week.
Court has heard how the Stephans thought their son had croup and the flu. But an autopsy found the boy had bacterial meningitis and a lung infection.
