The therapy session was meant to bring Candace Newmaker closer to her adoptive mother by having the 10-year-old girl push her way out of a blanket to simulate birth. What Happened? Prosecutors said that the tape is the key evidence againstBut a videotape shows Candace begging for her life as she tries to escape the blanket meant to represent a womb. She died of asphyxiation on April 19, 2000, one day after the so-called rebirthing therapy. The tape, prosecutors say, is the key evidence against two psychotherapists charged in her death. Jury selection began Thursday in the trial of Connell Watkins, 54 (pictured, right), known for her work with children with reactive attachment disorder, and her colleague Julie Ponder, 40. Both are charged with child abuse resulting in death. If convicted, they each could face up to 48 years in prison.

“I can't do it. I can't breathe. I can't breathe.” Candace Newmaker Shortly before her death

On the 70-minute videotape, Candace struggles and gasps for breath as the therapists and two assistants push on either side of her in an effort to simulate her rebirth. After 10 minutes, Candace said, "I can't do it, I can't do it. I can't breathe. I can't breathe," according to a transcript read at a court hearing. Forty minutes later, her adoptive mother, Jeane Newmaker, asked Candace if she wants to be reborn. "No," Candace replied. Those were her last words. After an hour, when the blanket was unwrapped, Candace wasn't breathing and had no pulse. Although paramedics revived her, she was declared brain-dead the next day at a Denver hospital. The cause of death was suffocation, according to an autopsy report. Jeane Newmaker, 47, of Durham, N.C., adopted Candace in June 1996. Newmaker told investigators that she went to Watkins after Candace was diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, where a child resists forming loving relationships and can become unmanageable and violent. Newmaker and her daughter met with the psychotherapists last April for two weeks of therapy, which cost $7,000. Ponder's lawyer has called Candace's death a tragic accident. Watkins' lawyer has said little publicly, but asked to have Candace's heart examined and filed motions to limit testimony by Brita St. Clair, 42, Watkins' business manager, and intern Jack McDaniel. St. Clair and McDaniel participated in the session and also face child abuse charges. They will be tried in September. Watkins is also charged with criminal impersonation and unlawful practice of psychotherapy for allegedly lying about practicing under another therapist's license. Candace's mother is charged with criminally negligent child abuse resulting in death. She was in the room when the session began but was sent to another room when she became upset. Jury selection is expected to take at least three days, with opening statements to follow next week. Previous Stories:

• February 13, 2001: Bill To Ban Rebirthing Therapy Clears First Hurdle
• February 6, 2001: Birth Mother Grieves For Daughter Killed In Therapy Incident
• January 10, 2001: Fatal 'Rebirthing' Video To Be Released