Self proclaimed self-help guru James Arthur Ray appeared in court on Tuesday, trying to use the court system to put tragedy behind him and restart his career.
Tuesday, Ray asked a superior court judge to set aside his conviction and restore his civil rights. The judge denied the motion to set aside judgment of guilt, but did give Ray his right to vote back.
Family members of two of the victims, Kirby Brown and James Shore, were also in court.
Brown's parents say they’re satisfied with the judge’s ruling, but still don’t believe Ray has ever fully taken responsibility for his actions. Ginny and George Brown have started a non-profit organization called “Seek Safely” to educate the public and promote ethics and safety in the unregulated self-help industry.
Ray served about two years in prison for the 2009 deaths of Brown, Shore and Liz Newman during a ceremony inside a sweat lodge near Sedona.
Participants paid $9,000 to take part in Ray’s multi-day event that involved three days of fasting before entering the lodge.
