Rebirthing : 'Rebirth' therapists get 16 years

Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - GOLDEN - Two therapists convicted in the "rebirthing" death of a 10-year-old girl received the shortest possible prison sentences Monday. Both were sentenced to 16 years.

Connell Watkins, 54, and Julie Ponder, 40, each could have received up to 48 years in prison for their roles in the April 2000 suffocation death of Candace Newmaker.
They were convicted in April of reckless child abuse resulting in death.

Prosecutors had asked District Court Judge Jane Tidball for the maximum sentence. The two women, their friends and family asked for mercy, including community-corrections sentences, to avoid prison.

But Tidball said the sentences will "send a powerful message" to other therapists treating children in Colorado, "deterring" them from engaging in reckless, or questionable, treatments.
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Watkins and Ponder were sentenced separately Monday. Both addressed the court.

"I failed Candace," Watkins said. "I failed to keep Candace out of harm's way."

"If I had one wish, it would be to live that day over again and have a happy ending for Candace and her mother (Jeane Newmaker)."

Ponder said she has "grieved and cried" over Candace's death.

"My life has forever changed because of her death," Ponder said. "I have suffered greatly, too. I have to live the rest of my life knowing that Candace was dying next to me and I wasn't aware of it."

It was the first time either woman had publicly shown remorse over Candace's death.

Mary Davis, Candace's maternal grandmother, said she was disappointed by the sentence.

"I'm sickened by it," Davis said by telephone from her North Carolina home. "I'm sickened that the judge didn't see her way to giving (them) more time in prison."

In imposing the the sentences, Tidball cited the fact that Watkins and Ponder had no criminal histories and that both had been responsible citizens in their communities. She said neither poses a threat to the community.

Under state law, Tidball was not required to be harsher than the minimum sentencing range, she said.

"However misguided, their intent was to help Candace Newmaker," Tidball said.

Deputy District Attorney Steve Jensen said prosecutors didn't have to prove intent, only that the therapists acted recklessly.

"This was a tragic case all around," Jensen said. "We are not saying they were evil people. We are saying they made some bad decisions."

"A longer sentence was warranted," he added.

Diane Obbema, the Sheriff's Office lead detective on the case, agreed. "The judge felt the torturous death of a 10-year-old merited a minimum sentence. I would strongly, but respectfully, disagree."

Ponder and Watkins will be eligible for parole in about six years. Both can appeal their convictions and sentencing.
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