Thaindian News

Flagstaff, AZ Feb 22 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Despite earlier stories attesting to the wealth of James Arthur Ray, his attorneys are requesting that the judge lower his bond. A judge has set it at $5 million, a figure which his attorneys are calling “excessive, oppressive, and unconscionable”. Although the charges are serious, they point out that Ray has no criminal history.

Ray was charged with manslaughter in the deaths of three people who were killed at his “Spiritual Warrior” event. This event, help near Sedona, involved the placing of 50 people into a 415 foot sweat lodge, for a sauna like treatment, which used heated rocks to cleanse the body. Although he got the idea from American Indian customs, a Native American spokesperson said that his methods were extreme, as far as the amount of people and the length of time involved.

The lodge was built in 2008, and had been used many times before, with no problems. On this fateful day however, the people began to vomit and pass out, and were hosed down to try and cool them off. Sadly, three people never regained consciousness and were later pronounced dead at the hospital. Their names are Kirby Brown, 38, of Westtown, N.Y.; James Shore, 40, of Milwaukee; and Liz Neuman, 49, of Prior Lake, Minn. 18 others were hospitalized.

Ray has pleaded not guilty, stating that this was a horrible accident. He faces 3 to 12 years on each count. Judge Warren Darrow is expected to decide on whether or not the bond will be lowered maybe as soon as next week. The Prosecutor, Steven Young, has not argued against the request, but has until Wednesday to file the opposing motion.

What many people are finding ironic, is the fact that Ray himself was, at one time, bragging publicly as to the amount of wealth and success he has. Now, his attorneys are saying that his assets have been drained dry.