Couple charged in son's meningitis death seek millions from Alberta to cover court costs

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. - A couple facing a second trial in the meningitis death of their son are calling for charges against them to be dropped and an estimated $4 million from Alberta Justice.

David Stephan and his wife, Collet, were found guilty in 2016 of failing to provide the necessaries of life to 19-month-old Ezekiel.

Their trial in Lethbridge, Alta., heard evidence that they treated the boy with garlic, onion and horseradish rather than take him to a doctor.

The Stephans eventually called 911 but the toddler died in hospital in 2012.

Last May, the Supreme Court of Canada ordered a new trial in a ruling that said the original trial judge did not properly instruct jurors.

During a Thursday court appearance, the couple filed applications for a stay of the proceedings as well as an order asking Alberta Justice for up to $4 million to cover their court costs.

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  David Stephan and his wife Collet Stephan, parents of a toddler who died of meningitis, were found guilty of failing to provide with the necessaries of life in the first trial. (The Canadian Press/David Rossiter)