Grandfather questions charges in child's death

The grandfather of a deceased southern Alberta toddler says he wonders if the family business is connected to charges against the boy's parents.

Charges of failing to provide the necessaries of life were recentlylaid in the death of 19-month-old Ezekiel Stephan of Raymond, Alta.

On Thursday, grandfather Tony Stephan told CBC News that he wonders if there is a connection with his controversial multi-vitamin company.

Stephan started a company called Truehope, which sells multivitaminsto treat mental illnesses. Truehope had a 10-year battle with Health Canada, whichthe companywon.

"I'm going to say thisthere's no question that we've had a very difficult time with the acceptance of Truehope with the government authorities," said Stephan.

Autopsy reveals meningitis

RCMP said the boy died five days after being admitted to Alberta Childrens Hospital in Calgary in March 2012.

An autopsy shows hehad meningitis.Earlier this week,after a lengthy RCMP investigation, parentsDavid and Colett Stephan were chargedwith failing to provide the necessaries of life.

"This is not a neglectful thing," saidthe boy's grandfather."This is a couple that are very concerned about their family. They are aloving couple. So I don't know. I have to ask the question and it does beg an answer.Does thisrelate to what we are doing with Truehope? I can't say for sure."

Tony Stephan says his family is not against conventional medicine.

"We're not anti-hospital or medication. If you were to check into our Alberta health-care records, you'd see that we use the system."

The Stephans, who are scheduled to appear in Lethbridge provincial court on May 23,say they were not aware the police were investigating the child's death.

Raymond is about 35 kilometres south of Lethbridge.