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Lead Detective Testifies In Ariz. Sweat Lodge Case

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Yavapai County sheriff's detective who led the investigation of a self-help author's sweat lodge ceremony resumes testimony Thursday.

Ross Diskin took the stand a day earlier and begin explaining photos of the scene to a jury considering whether James Arthur Ray is responsible for the deaths of three people.

James Shore, Kirby Brown and Liz Neuman were overcome by the heat inside the sweat lodge that Ray led near Sedona in October 2009 and died.

Ray has pleaded not guilty to three counts of manslaughter.

Diskin told the jury Wednesday where he believed the victims were seated inside the sweat lodge and how two of them were dragged from the structure.

Ray's attorneys have criticized the investigation, saying authorities ignored other potential causes of death.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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