The man convicted of negligent homicide in the deaths of three people seven years ago will be back in court this week. The three victims died in a sweat lodge ceremony conducted near Sedona.
According to court records, James Arthur Ray was a motivational speaker who was conducting a six day session that included a series of training exercises and a sweat lodge.
Court documents say 56 people entered the sweat lodge and over several hours many became ill and disoriented. Three of them died.
According to the medical examiner the cause of death was heat stroke.
Ray was convicted in 2010 in the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman.
Now Ray is asking the court to set aside the convictions and restore his civil rights. He says he’s been treated unfairly.
The Yavapai County attorney’s office says state law specifically provides that people convicted of dangerous offenses are not eligible to have their judgements of guilt set aside or their rights restored.
A hearing on Ray’s request is set for Tuesday morning.
