LETHBRIDGE – The seven-week trial of David and Colett Stephan caught the world’s attention, maybe no more so than when the verdict was handed down Tuesday. Social media reaction, in particular, was swift and emotional.
WATCH: David and Collet Stephan found guilty
Some of the reaction posted on Global News accounts included both support and opposition, of the final verdict.
“Will pray for all, knowing this hurts so many. But, medical attention was withheld, advice was not respected, and this poor little boy dies when he could have been helped,” Facebook user Michelle Potter wrote.
“I am all for natural remedies but when your child is that sick you take them to a doctor plain and simple,” Kristy Moskalyk added.
WATCH: ‘Very clear’ parents in Stephan meningitis trial did not meet necessities of care
Others were more sympathetic to the family.
“I am stunned,” Facebook user Sheila Finlay posted. “My hopes were with the parents to be found innocent. I can only hope that the sentence will not take from the children they have now.”
“They never intentionally let the boy die, or they wouldn’t of done anything,” Alana Desorcy added. “They’ve lost enough, stop bashing these poor parents and just go hug your children extra tight.”
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People in the community seemed to share the same mixed sentiments.
“Doctors are not infallible,” Sheila MacKenzie said. “They make mistakes just as much as everybody else. There’s no guarantee that even if they had gotten the little boy to the hospital, that he would’ve survived anyway.”
“It’s pretty irresponsible of them,” Braden Girard said. “You make the choice when you have a kid to provide proper medical care for them. I think it’s good that they faced the charges.”
WATCH: Crown speaks after Stephan guilty verdict
The emotional impact was evident on the jury, as several members openly wept as the verdict was read.
“This would not have been a comfortable case to hear,” Facebook user Tyler Gschaid posted. “We should keep in mind that jury members are ordinary citizens. They must hear all the evidence and testimony without emotion.”