OREGON CITY, Ore. -- A Clackamas County couple appeared in court on negligent homicide charges for failing to bring their 16-year-old son to a doctor for an illness that eventually lead to his death.

Neal Beagley died from complications of a urinary tract infection that eventually caused his heart to stop on June 18th.

His parents, Jeffrey and Marci Beagley, tried to heal him with prayer instead of modern medicine. Jeff Beagley pleaded not guilty in court Friday. Marci Beagley was representing herself and did not enter a plea.

As Neal's condition worsened, his urinary tract became inflamed and closed off. He was unable to urinate, which made his bladder and kidneys stop functioning and then toxins backed up into his blood stream.

 Background: Teen found dead in home

“It’s not a religious question as much as parents grieving for their lost child.  I don’t think there’s any good faith basis for this prosecution,” Jeff Beagley’s attorney, Wayne Mackeson said in court Friday.

Beagley had started complaining about stomach aches and shortness of breath the week before he died and the family told police he did not want medical attention. He eventually died in his home, surrounded by family members.

KGW photo

Medical examiners conducted an autopsy after the teen’s death and said he could have survived if he had seen a doctor and received medical care. But Neal’s parents had refused medical treatment for their son, citing their faith-healing religious beliefs.

Based upon the findings of the Grand Jury, the Clackamas County Circuit Court Thursday issued arrest warrants for Jeffrey and Marci. They voluntarily surrendered themselves to police and then posted bail a short time later.

The Beagleys will now face a judge for the first time on Friday, when they will be officially charged with negligent homicide.

Just four months earlier, Neal's 15-month-old cousin, Ava Worthington, died at home from bronchial pneumonia and a blood infection. Her parents, Carl and Raylene Worthington, also failed to contact a doctor and were also facing criminal charges in her death.

 Also: Faith-healing death of baby