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Thursday, November 20, 2003

Should Native spiritual leaders be treated the same as clergy in other religions? That question is being considered in a federal murder case where a medicine man gave information about a defendant who sought spiritual counsel.

Carlos C. Herrera confessed to the murder of Brenda Chavez, an ex-lover. But Herrera's lawyer said he admitted guilt only because federal authorities pressured Robert Cervantes, a Jicarilla Apache medicine man, to testify before a federal grand jury.

Herrera's lawyer now wants the confession suppressed as well as any information gathered from Cervantes. He argues that the communications are shielded from the same protections that apply to priests or any other member of the clergy.

Chavez's body was found on the Southern Ute Reservation in Colorado. She was a tribal member, as is Herrera.

Get the Story:
Clergy right sought for medicine man (The Denver Post 11/20)

Related Stories:
Southern Ute tribal member charged with murder (08/12)


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