'Rebirthing' Therapists Get Prison Terms

June 18 -- Two therapists were sentenced today to the minimum 16 years in prison for the death of a 10-year-old girl following a "rebirthing" session.

Connell Watkins, 54, and Julie Ponder, 40, faced up to 48 years in prison for the April 2000 death of Candace Newmaker. They were found guilty of reckless child abuse this past April in the girl's death.

During their separate sentencings in a Golden, Colo., courtroom, Jefferson County Judge Jane Tidball said Candace's death was horrifying, but there was no evidence that the therapists intended to harm the child.

In a brief statement read in court, Watkins accepted responsibility for Candace's death.

"I feel sorrow, regret and remorse that torments me every waking hour," Watkins said. "I failed Candace and I failed her mother. I accept full responsibility. I'm ready to accept what you require of me."

During the fatal rebirthing session, Candace was being treated for what the therapists called reactive attachment disorder, a condition in which children avoid forming loving relationships and often become disruptive and violent.

Candace's adoptive mother, Jeane Newmaker, flew the child from their home in North Carolina to Colorado specifically for the therapy. Candace was supposed to force her way out of a blanket, becoming "reborn" to form a bond with her adoptive mother.

At the end of the session — 70 minutes after it started — Watkins and Ponder unwrapped Candace and found her not breathing. Efforts to revive her failed and Candace died the next day at a hospital. Medical examiners later determined she died of asphyxiation.

‘I'm Dying!’

A videotape of Candace's "rebirth" was the key evidence prosecutors used at trial. On the tape, Candace is heard crying and pleading with Watkins, Ponder and their two assistants to let her out.

Candace was wrapped in the blanket with large pillows on either side of her.

"I'm dying! … It feels like I'm dying!" Candace cried as the four adults pushed pillows against both sides of the girl to simulate birth contractions.