Pastor Cheryl Bartley charged with manslaughter after 2023 baptism drowning

Cheryl Bartley, a 48-year-old pastor from Life Changing Ministries, has been formally charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the drowning of a man during a baptism.

The charge relates to the death of Robert Smith, a 61-year-old London resident, who died on 8 October 2023.

The incident occurred in a small swimming pool in the garden of a private property located in Birmingham, England. Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. but were unable to revive him.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges this week after a lengthy investigation alongside West Midlands Police.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS special crime division, noted: "We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial."

Following the tragedy, Bartley reportedly posted a social media video in which she claimed to have seen the victim "dancing with Jesus."

The baptism ceremony was allegedly being broadcast live on Facebook when the drowning occurred.

Robert Smith, who had moved to the United Kingdom from Jamaica, was a well-known barber and the grandfather of seven.

He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and reports indicate that the event was his second baptism ceremony.

Bartley is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 14 May 2026 to address the allegations. While Life Changing Ministries has yet to release a formal statement, the case has prompted widespread discussions regarding the safety protocols of private religious ceremonies and the responsibilities of spiritual leaders.