Robert Smith, also known as Robert Yap, a 61-year-old from Brixton in south London, died from drowning during the baptism ceremony on October 8, 2023. The ceremony was held at a private address on Slade Road in Erdington, Birmingham, a location used by Life Changing Ministries church, where Cheryl Bartley serves as pastor. Emergency services were called to the address shortly after 1:30 pm that day and provided advanced life support, but Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. This tragic incident has now led to criminal charges against the officiating pastor, marking a rare legal proceeding following a religious ritual.
The baptism took place in a paddling pool at the Erdington address, though specific details about the pool's depth, water temperature, or safety measures remain unclear. According to multiple reports, Smith had been baptized as a teenager but sought a second ceremony to become a born-again believer, which prompted his participation. The ceremony was live-streamed on Facebook, though how this broadcasting affected the incident or subsequent investigation is not yet known. Life Changing Ministries, led by Bartley, operates from this private location, and the event underscores the informal settings sometimes used for such religious practices.
Robert Smith was originally from Jamaica and had lived in the UK for at least 25 years, working as a barber in Brixton and leaving behind seven grandchildren. He suffered from Parkinson's disease and was visibly shaking during the baptism, according to research reports, which may have complicated his ability to navigate the water safely. Why Smith traveled approximately 300 miles from London to Birmingham for this baptism, and what his relationship was with Life Changing Ministries, are questions that investigators have not publicly addressed. His family in Jamaica has been notified, and they have called for a thorough police investigation into his death.
She had seen him in heaven 'dancing with Jesus'.
Cheryl Bartley, also known as Cheryl Reid-Bartley, will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14, according to multiple reports. The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Bartley based on sufficient evidence and public interest, as stated by Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service. McHaffie said that prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. He added that they have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its investigation, and reminded all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and further tests are being carried out to establish a definitive cause of death, according to West Midlands Police. These additional tests aim to determine specific factors such as water inhalation levels or pre-existing health conditions, though when results will be available is unknown. A 46-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on police bail while enquiries continue, according to research reports, though this conflicts with other information about Bartley's age and legal status. This discrepancy raises questions about the exact age of the accused, which could affect identification and legal proceedings, as sources disagree on whether formal charges have been filed or if the suspect is still under investigation.
Gross negligence manslaughter in this case likely involves allegations that Bartley failed to take reasonable care during the baptism, but the specific actions or omissions constituting gross negligence have not been detailed by authorities. Legal experts suggest that factors such as inadequate supervision, unsafe pool conditions, or ignoring Smith's medical condition could be central to the charge. The Crown Prosecution Service's decision to prosecute indicates they believe Bartley's conduct fell far below the standard expected of a pastor conducting such a ceremony. This charge requires proving a duty of care, a breach of that duty through gross negligence, and that the breach caused Smith's death, which will be tested in court.
During his baptism, Mr Yap had caught a 'glimpse of heaven' and 'didn’t want to come back, he just passed on'.
The exact conditions of the baptism pool, including its depth, water temperature, and any safety measures like handrails or lifeguards, remain unknown and could be critical to the negligence case. According to a neighbour, it was the first pool baptism the minister had conducted, suggesting possible inexperience with water-based ceremonies. Safety protocols for religious baptisms, especially in non-traditional settings like private homes, are not standardized, leaving room for variable practices. Investigators may examine whether the pool was appropriate for someone with Parkinson's disease, given Smith's visible shaking during the event.
Why Robert Smith traveled to Birmingham for this baptism, rather than attending a local church in London, is another unresolved aspect, with his relationship to Life Changing Ministries unclear. According to Cheryl Reid-Bartley, during his baptism, Smith had caught a glimpse of heaven and didn’t want to come back, he just passed on, implying a spiritual motivation for his journey. Family members or church connections might have influenced his decision, but no official statements have clarified this. The long-distance travel adds a layer of complexity to understanding the circumstances leading to his participation in the ceremony.
Further post-mortem tests are being conducted to establish a definitive cause of death, though what these tests specifically aim to determine and when results will be available are not publicly known. West Midlands Police have indicated that additional analyses are ongoing, which could include toxicology screens or detailed examinations of lung tissue to confirm drowning. The timeline for these results could impact the legal proceedings, as they may provide evidence relevant to the negligence charge. Until these tests are complete, some medical details surrounding Smith's death remain speculative.
She had seen Mr Yap 'dancing with Jesus in the garden' in heaven.
The live-streaming of the baptism on Facebook introduces questions about how it affected the incident, such as whether it distracted participants or provided valuable evidence for investigators. Facebook's role in the event has not been commented on by the company, and it is unknown if the footage has been reviewed by authorities or if it shows critical moments leading to the drowning. Live-streaming religious ceremonies is common for outreach, but in this case, it may have documented the tragedy, potentially offering insights into Bartley's actions and Smith's condition. The investigation might leverage this digital record to reconstruct events, though its impact on the incident itself remains unclear.
Reactions to the case have been mixed, with some community members expressing shock and others defending Bartley's character. According to a neighbour, Cheryl Reid-Bartley is an amazing, kind, and loving lady who would never intentionally harm anyone, highlighting support from those close to her. Meanwhile, according to a family relative of Robert Smith, family in Jamaica confirmed Smith was the victim and called for a thorough police investigation, reflecting demands for accountability. The incident has sparked discussions about safety in religious practices, with local congregations and legal observers closely watching the developments.
This case raises broader implications for religious ceremonies and legal accountability, particularly for informal baptisms conducted outside traditional church settings. If convicted, Bartley could face a prison sentence, setting a precedent for how negligence is assessed in spiritual contexts where duty of care might be ambiguously defined. Religious leaders may need to reconsider safety protocols, especially for participants with health conditions, to prevent similar tragedies. The outcome could influence regulations or guidelines for baptism practices, balancing religious freedom with public safety concerns in community-based rituals.