Birmingham Pastor Charged With Manslaughter After Baptism Death

Cheryl Bartley faces one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to a 2023 incident.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of the edge of a baptismal pool, with water droplets reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The tragic baptism incident has raised concerns about safety protocols for religious ceremonies involving immersion.Today in Birmingham

A 48-year-old Birmingham pastor named Cheryl Bartley has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a 61-year-old man during a baptism ceremony in 2023. The incident occurred at a property in the Erdington neighborhood, where the victim, Robert Smith, drowned while being baptized by Bartley's church, Life Changing Ministries.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about safety protocols and oversight for religious ceremonies involving immersion, especially those livestreamed for public viewing. It also highlights the potential legal liabilities for religious leaders in cases of accidental death or injury during their services.

The details

According to reports, the baptism took place on October 8, 2023, in a small pool located in the garden of a property on Slade Road in Erdington. Approximately a dozen congregants were present, and the event was livestreamed on the church's Facebook page, though the stream was cut during the incident and the video was later removed. Emergency services were unable to revive Robert Smith, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • The incident occurred on October 8, 2023.
  • Cheryl Bartley is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14.

The players

Cheryl Bartley

A 48-year-old Birmingham resident who serves as the pastor of Life Changing Ministries and has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the 2023 baptism incident.

Robert Smith

A 61-year-old man from Brixton, London, who was a member of Life Changing Ministries and died by drowning during a baptism ceremony led by Cheryl Bartley in 2023.

Malcolm McHaffie

The head of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime division, who stated that pursuing criminal proceedings against Cheryl Bartley was deemed in the public interest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

— Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS's special crime division

What’s next

The judge will decide on May 14 whether to allow Cheryl Bartley to be released on bail pending the trial.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for religious leaders to prioritize safety and adhere to proper protocols when conducting ceremonies involving physical immersion, especially those that are livestreamed for public viewing. The legal proceedings will likely set an important precedent regarding the liability of pastors in cases of accidental death during their services.