Christian pastor charged with killing man who drowned during baptism

A Christian pastor, Cheryl Bartley, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of Robert Smith during a baptism ceremony in Erdington, West Midlands.

Smith, 61, who reportedly suffered from Parkinson’s disease, died on October 8, 2023, after drowning in a paddling pool during the ceremony at a private address on Slade Road.

Bartley, 48, associated with Life Changing Ministries, is accused of causing his death through gross negligence during the baptism. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that she has been formally charged and is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on May 14.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence and that pursuing the case was in the public interest, following an investigation carried out in collaboration with West Midlands Police.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1:30pm on the day of the incident. Despite receiving advanced life support, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.