A pastor is facing criminal charges after a church baptism ceremony allegedly turned deadly, leaving a 61-year-old man drowned inside a home in England.
According to authorities, Robert Smith died during a baptism ceremony held on Oct. 8, 2023, at a residence in Birmingham.
Prosecutors say Smith was submerged underwater during the baptism and remained there for a total of four minutes.
Now, 48-year-old pastor Cheryl Bartley has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the shocking death.
Bartley appeared in court this week but did not enter a plea.
She spoke only to confirm her identity and address during the hearing.
Court officials also revealed that Smith suffered from Parkinson’s disease and reportedly had significant mobility problems that made it difficult for him to walk.
Authorities have not publicly released full details about exactly what happened during the baptism ceremony or how the situation allegedly spiraled into tragedy.
However, prosecutors claim the circumstances surrounding the drowning were severe enough to justify criminal charges against the pastor.
Bartley was granted bail but ordered not to leave the United Kingdom while the case continues moving through the courts.
She is expected to appear again at Birmingham Crown Court on June 11.
The disturbing case has sparked outrage and disbelief online, with many people struggling to understand how a religious ceremony meant to celebrate faith allegedly ended in such a horrifying death.